equity theory Flashcards
what is the equity theory?
equity theory is another economic theory of relationships that suggests that partners are concerned about fairness in relationships.
who developed the equity theory and why?
Walster (1978) as a criticism of the social exchange theory.
what did Walster argue about fairness in relationships?
Fairness is achieved when people feel they get the same level of profit as their partner does.
how is fairness calculated according to the equity theory?
Fairness is one partners rewards minus costs (their profit) = another partners rewards minus their costs (their profits).
dissatisfaction in relationships may arise due to what factors?
if there is an unbalance between the number of rewards and costs.
what is meant by equity in relation to fairness of ratios?
If a person outs a lot into a relationship and receives a lot, it will feel fair to them.
Satisfying relationships are marked by negotiations to ensure equity and that rewards are distributed fairly.
why do perceptions of equity change over time?
What seemed unfair in the beginning may become a norm as the relationship progresses, or the partner who gives more may start working even harder on the relationship until the balance is restored.
what is the correlation between inequity and dissatisfaction?
the greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction.
the equity theory predicts a strong correlation between the two.
how can inequity be restored?
A person who feels that they are receiving less profit in an inequitable relationship may respond by either working hard to make the relationship more equitable:
- Distribution: negotiation of the costs and rewards to attempt to achieve fairness.
- Realignment: revision of perceptions of costs and rewards
