Equity theory (theories of romantic relationships)

Question 1

Why was equity theory developed

Answer 1

After criticisms of social exchange theory as most ppl seek balance not profit in a relationship

Question 2

Role of equity in a relationship (Waltser)

Answer 2

Both partner’s level of profit is the same so nobody under/overbenefits which would cause dissatisfaction (e.g anger for under/shame for over)

So satisfaction is about perceived fairness

Question 3

Who came up with the equity theory

Answer 3

Elaine Waltser

Question 4

How can our perceptions of equity change over time

Answer 4

Start of relationship feels natural to contribute more than receive but if continues will not feel as satisfying

Question 5

How can our dealing with inequity change over time

Answer 5

Underbenifitted partner motivated to restore equity
The more unfair the harder they will work

Question 6

How can our dealing with inequity include a cognitive change over time

Answer 6

They revise their perceptions of rewards/costs so relationship feels more equitable
=earlier costs before the norm

Question 7

How is equity different to equality

Answer 7

Not the size or amount of rewards/costs that matters it’s the ratio of the two to eachother

Question 8

Example of equity being different to equality

Answer 8

Partner who works night-shifts and can’t make dinner
equal distribution of domestic tasks wouldn’t make sense
=makes up in other ways e.g money

Question 9

Consequences of inequity

Answer 9

Relationship dissatisfaction for both over and underbenefitting partners
Greater inequity= Greater dissatisfaction

Question 10

How does perceived equity change as the relationship develops?

Answer 10

At the start may feel natural to contribute more than you receive but if this continues it will cause dissatisfaction

Question 11

Dealing with inequity (behavioural)

Answer 11

Underbeniffited partner very motivated to make relationship equitable
-The more unfair the relationship feels the harder they will work to restore it

Question 12

Dealing with inequity (cognitive)

Answer 12

Unberbeniffited partner changes perception of rewards/costs to make relationship feel more equitable
-Costs now= norm

Question 13

Strength of equity theory

Answer 13

Evidence from studies of real-world relationships that confirm more valid than SET
-e.g Utne survey found couples who considered their relationship equitable were the most satisfied

Confirms equity is major concern of romantic couples/linked with satisfaction

Question 14

Counterpoint to equity’s role in satisfaction

Answer 14

Berg/McQuinn found equity did not + over time
-Ended relationships and continued ones did not differ in terms of equity
-Other variables (E.g self-disclosure) significantly more important

So undermines validity of theory as equity does not play the predicted role in relationship satisfaction

Question 15

Weakness of equity theory

Answer 15

Cultural limitations
-e.g Aumer-Ryan found individualist cultures most satisfied with equity BUT collectivist (e.g Jamaica) most satisfied with overbennefitting

So theory limited as only applies to some cultures

Question 16

Weakness 2 of equity theory (individual differences)

Answer 16

Not all partners concerned about achieving it
-e.g Huseman said some content to underbenefit (benevolents)/some believe they deserve to overbenefit and don’t feel distressed or guilty (entitleds)

So desire for equity varies from individual and not universal feature of relationships