Equity Theory^

Question 1

Walster et al

Answer 1

strive to achieve fairness
inequity make people feel distressed
- give lot, get less feel most distressed

Question 2

Equity

Answer 2

person’s perceive inputs and outputs
more influence than reality
- not see or misinterpret

Question 3

Principles

Answer 3

profit
- rewards max / cost mini
Distribution
- compensations negotiated for fairness
Dissatisfaction
- more perceived unfairness is less dissatisfaction
Realignment
- if equity can be restored, maintenance will be attempted

Question 4

Inputs & Outputs

Answer 4

perceived ratio of inputs : outputs
put in diff amounts and still have equity
subjective views on relative input/output of themselves and partner

Question 5

Inequity

Answer 5

equity levels can vary throughout a relationship
underbeniffeted partner is usually the one who wants to make it more equitable
- only if they think it can be repaired (hard to fix if inequity is high)

Question 6

How To Restore Equity?

Answer 6

put in less/more time
change amount of demands
change perception of inputs/outputs

Question 7

Research Support

Answer 7

evidence from real world studies
Ulne et al
- survey of 118 recently married couples
- measure equity with 2 self report scales
- participants (16-45) together for 2+ years before marriage
- couples with equitable relations. were more satisfied than those who were under/overbenefitted

Question 8

VS Research Support

Answer 8

equity does not increase over time
Berg & McQuinn
- relations. that ended or continued did not differ in equity
- other variables (SD) more important
Undermines validity

Question 9

Cultural Limitations

Answer 9

Aumer-Ryan et al
- cultural diff is the link between equity and satisfaction
Individualist (USA) - more satisfied when equitable
Collectivist (China) - overbenefitting
Limited explanation, not for all cultures

Question 10

Individual Differences

Answer 10

Huseman et al
- benevolents - give more than get
- entitileds - believe they deserve to be overbenefitted
both not concerned with equity/inequity
Desire for equity varies, not generaliable to all relations.

Question 11

Equity: Cause or Effect

Answer 11

Grote & Clark
when partners start monitoring = start to feel dissatisfied
then start to see the inequity and become more dissatisfied
Cycle of Misery
inequity is both cause and effect of dissatisfaction and inequity
Partial explanation of process