Equity theory Flashcards
Explain how equity theory builds on social exchange theory.
Equity theory is an economic theory developed in response to the social exchange theory. Maximising rewards and minimising costs are important but the social exchange theory fails to take into account the need for most people to have equity in a relationship.
Define equity.
Difference between equity and equality?
Equity means fairness (everybody getting what they need)
whereas equality means everybody gets the same.
Outline the need for equity.
According to Waltser what matters most with equity is that both partners level of profit is roughly the same. Both under benefit and over benefit are examples of inequity although it is the underbenfitted partner who is likely to feel the greatest dissatisfaction, in the form of anger, hostility, resentment and humiliation. The overbeneftting partner will most likely feel guilt, discomfort and shame.
What does the theory say matters more than the size or amount of rewards and costs.
The ratio of the two to each other.
So if one partner puts a lot into a relationship but at the same time gets a lot out of it, then that will seem fair enough. This inevitably means making trade-offs for example if one partner cleans, the other cooks.
What are the consequences of inequity?
Problems arise when one partner puts a great deal into a relationship but the other gives little. A partner who is the subject of inequity will become distressed and dissatisfied with the relationship if this continues for long enough. Equity theory provides a strong correlation between inequity and dissatisfaction.
Explain why as a relationship progresses, we change the way we perceive inequity.
What makes us dissatisfied is a change in the level of perceived equity as time goes on. For example, at the beginning of a relationship it may feel perfectly natural to contribute more than you receive but if the relationship continues this way it will not feel as satisfying as the early stages.
How does the equity theory say that we should deal with inequity?
The ‘put-upon’ partner should work hard to make the relationship more equitable as long as they believe it is possible to do so and that the relationship is salvageable. The more unfair the relationship feels, the harder they will work to restore equity. They will revise their perceptions of rewards and costs so that the relationship feels more equitable to them.
Give a strength of the equity theory (supporting research evidence).
There is evidence to support the equity theory as a more valid explanation of relationships than social exchange theory. For example Mary Utne and her colleagues carried out a survey of 118 recently-married couples and measured equity with two self-report scales. The husband and wife were aged between 16 and 45 years and had been together for more than two years before marrying. The researchers found that couples who considered their relationship to be equitable were more satisfied than those who considered their relationship to be inequitable. This research confirms a central prediction of equity theory, increasing its validity as an explanation for romantic relationships.
Give a limitation of equity theory (individual differences).
Not all partners in relationships are concerned about equity. Sone people are less sensitive to equity than others. For example, some people are prepared to give more than they get (benevolents) and others feel they deserve to over benefit and accept this with no guilt (entiteds). This shows that equity is not a global feature for all romantic
Give a limitation of equity theory (types of relationship)
One limitation of equity theory is that it is more a feature of casual/work relationships. Clark and Mills have tried to make sense of the confusing evidence that equity is an important feature of relationships. Research supports the view that equity is important in casual/work relationships but the evidence for romantic relationships is mixed. This therefore limits equity theory as an explanation for romantic relationships.
