Evaluation of Economic Exchange Theories Flashcards
Lack of consistent empirical evidence
Research is mixed and it has been suggested there are two types of couples: “exhange” and “communal”. One is motivated by concern the other keeps score. Suggests that relps are not all about economics.
Limited Applcaition of Equity Theory
Been shown that equity may be more important for women than men and only problematic marriages find equity is a concern. Complimentarity of needs is often viewed as important.
Contrived methodologies
Research often has little ecological validity and the experiments are artificial.
Often short term and doesn’t examine the dynamics of the relp through time.
Cultural Bias
Little support for equity theory outside of N.America.
Europeans prefer equality over equity.
General patterns found?
Complimentarity is a component of compatability, but similarity plays a much larger part in keeping couples together. People similar in attractiveness, attitudes, likes and dislikes remain together.
Hill et al found what in their research?
Surviving couples tended to be more alike in terms of age, intelligence, educational and career plans as well as attractiveness.
What did Duck find?
Happy couples give more positive and consistent non-verbal cues than unhappy couples, express more agreement an d approval of the other’s ideas and suggestions, talk about their relationship more and are willing to compromise.
Raush et al (1974)
Couples do not avoid conflict but don’t bicker about trivial stuff. Less stable couples avoid all conflict.
Dindia & Baxter
Found there are 2 strategies to deal with conflict: maintenance and repair. One avoids conflict in the first plce and the other is used to repair damage done.
Method used and difficulties?
Observations produce behaviour change and interviews and questionnaires may produce bias and unhonest.
Criticisms?
Some people are better at coping with conflict: reductionist.
A lot of change over time.
Longitudinal is time-consuming and expensive.
Cohort effects are a problem as older generations married with different expectations than todays to be weds.
Unlikely to be understood with just one theory.
