Equity Theory Flashcards
Describe Equity Theory
Economic Theory of how relationships develop
Acknowledges impact of rewards & costs on relationship satisfaction
Criticises SET for ignoring central role of equity - perception partner have that distribution of rewards & costs in relationship is fair
Explain the role of equity in a relationship
According to Walster et al (1978), partners’ level of profit matters most
When there’s lack of equity, 1 partner over-benefits & other under-benefits from relationship, resulting in dissatisfaction & unhappiness
Under-benefitted partner feels anger, hostility & resentment
Over-benefitted partner feels guilt, shame & discomfort
Discuss the difference between equity & equality in relationships
According to equity theory, it’s not size/amount of rewards/costs that matters - it’s ratio of two
Example: if one partner puts loads into relationship but gets loads from it, that’s fair
EFE: Partner has disability so they can’t do chores
Equal distribution of chores unfair
Disabled partner compensates for partner doing all chores through other areas
Satisfying relationships marked by negotiations to ensure equity
Explain the consequences of inequity
Inequity = partner puts in more/less from relationship & gain less/more than they should from it
Partner suffering inequity become distressed & dissatisfied with relationship
Greater perceived equity = greater dissatisfaction
Changes in level of perceived equity as time goes on makes us most dissatisfied
E.g. at start of relationship it’s expected to put loads into relationship but not get lots out of it, but if this continues & you put more in but get less out of it, this will not be as satisfying
How do romantic partners react to inequity?
BEHAVIOURAL Reaction: ‘Put upon’ partner works to make relationship more equitable as long as they think possible & relationship salvageable
More unfair relationship feels, harder they’ll work to restore equity
COGNITIVE Reaction: Partners revise expectations of rewards & costs so relationship feels more equitable to them, even if nothing changes
What was seen as cost earlier (e.g. abuse) now accepted as norm
Evaluate the equity theory of romantic relationships
SUPPORTING RESEARCH - Evidence includes studies of real life relationships confirm equity theory more valid explanation than SET
-Utne et al (1984) surveyed 118 just-married couples, aged between 16-45, measuring equity with 2 self-report scales. Researchers found couples finding their relationship equitable more satisfied than those under/over benefitting
-Research confirms central prediction of equity theory, increasing validity as explanation of romantic relation, BUT limited view of marriage: straight & newly wed & social desirability in survey
CULTURAL INFLUENCES - Equity theory assumes need for equity is universal
-Aumer-Ryan (2007) found cultural differences in link between equity & satisfaction. They compared couples in collectivist & individualist cultures. Individualist couples considered relationship most satisfying when equitable. Collectivist couples most satisfied when over benefitting.
-Suggests equity theory’s claim equity is universal need in relationships is unwarranted, theory limited bc can’t account for cultural difference
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES - Not all partners in romantic relationships
-Huseman (1987) suggest some people less sensitive to equity than others. They describe some partners as benevolents, who’re prepared to contribute more to relationship they receive. Entitles believe they deserve to be overbenefitted & accept it without feeling distressed or guilty
-Shows equity no necessarily global feature of all romantic relationships & contrary to claims of theory, is certainly not universal law of social interaction - trying to be nomothetic
