Equity theory

Question 1

AO1 - what is equity theory

Answer 1

another economic theory of relationships that suggests that partners are concerned about fairness in relationships

Question 2

AO1 - Walster (1978) - how is fairness achieved

Answer 2

when people feel they get the same level of profit as their partner

Question 3

AO1 - what did walster argue about fairness in a relationship

Answer 3

one partners rewards minus their costs = the same as the others
(profit:profit)

Question 4

AO1 - equity is about fairness of ratios

Answer 4

it is not about the number of rewards and costs but rather about the balance between them

Question 5

AO1 - perception of equity changes over time

Answer 5

what seemed unfair in the beginning may become a norm as relationships progress or the partner who gives more may start working even harder on the relationship until the balance is restored

Question 6

AO1 - correlation between inequity and dissatisfaction

Answer 6

• the greater the perceived inequity the greater the dissatisfaction
• equity theory predicts a strong correlation between the 2

Question 7

AO1 - restoring equity

Answer 7

• distribution
• realignment

Question 8

AO1 -