L6 - equity theory Flashcards
what is equity theory
economic theory - how rs develop
criticises SET for ignoring role of equity
benefits - costs should be equal for both partners
who proposed equity theory
walster et al
what 4 principles is equity theory based on
profit
distribution
dissatisfaction
realignment
what is profit
individuals try to maximise rewards and positive experience
and try to minimise costs
aim to make a profit
what is distribution
negotiating to ensure fairness in terms of rewards and costs
compensations e.g. one does housework, other does cooking and washing up, so it might be seen as fair
what is dissatisfaction
if rs is unfair/unequitable
produces stress and dissatisfaction
what is realignment
disadvantaged person will try to restore equity so rs can continue and be successful
2 strengths of equity theory
- utne et al used self report scales to measure equity and satisfaction in recently married couples. 118 pp between 16 and 45 had been together for 2 years of more. those who rated their rs as more equitable were more satisfied
- animal studies support - brosnan and de waal studied monkeys, if monkeys were denied their reward for playing a game they became angry and aggressive. suggest importance of equity in rs has ancient origins
2 weaknesses of equity theory
- gender differneces - researches found women are more disturbed when under-benefitting and guilty when over-benefitting. indicates clear gender differences and shows importance of conducting research into males and females separately - may result in alpha bias, exaggerating differences that don’t actually exist
- cultural differences - studies show equity is more important in western than non-western cultures. men and women in collectivist cultures were more satisfied when they were over-benefitting not when the rs was fair - shows development of rs is diff in diff cultures
