Equity theory

Question 1

What does equity mean ?

Answer 1

Fairess

Question 2

Which theory is the equity theory an extension of ?

Answer 2

Social exchange theory

Question 3

What is the equity theory ?

Answer 3

Partner A’s Benefits-costs = Partner B’s Benefits-costs
- The equity theory looks at the profit of two peoples relationship and it being proportionate
- Theory doesn’t look at the number of rewards and costs but instead having a proportionate ratio in a relationship
- E.g. If one Partner put’s in more and get’s more rewards and one partner puts in less but gets less reward then the relationship is fair.

Question 4

What are two differences between the social exchange theory and the equity theory ?

Answer 4

• SET looks at what someone thinks that they deserve
• Equity theory looks at the balance of profit
• SET looks at individuals in a relationship
• The equity theory looks at both partners relationship within the relationship

Question 5

What are the benefits of an equitable relationship ?

Answer 5

• Highest satisfaction
• Less likely to have extramarital affairs
• Relationships last longer

Question 6

What does a lack of equity lead to ?

Answer 6

• One partner over-benefitting and one partner under-benefitting
• Could lead to a break down of relationship

Question 7

What are the strengths of the equity theory ?

Answer 7

Research support: Stafford and Canary
- looked at 200 married couples
- Completed measures of equity and satisfaction
- Satisfaction was highest for those who deemed their relationship to be equitable
- High ecological validity = Used real-life couples

Research support: Utne
- Measured equity using two self-report scales
- Those who said their relationship is equitable were more satisfied than those who felt as though they were over/under benefitting

Question 8

Limitations of the equity theory ?

Answer 8

Self-disclosure is more impactful:
- Study found that relationships that ended compared to those that continued had no difference in the amount of equity
- Whereas the self-disclosure these couples had, had a big impact on the maintenance of a relationship

Culturally relative:
- There are cultural differences in relationships between equity and satisfaction
- US = Individualistic culture, relationships are more satisfying if equitable
- Jamaica = Collectivist culture, individuals were more satisfied when overbenefitting