Lesson 5 - Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
How is this an ‘economic theory’ (Social Exchange Theory)
This is an economic theory of romantic relationships and is based on the idea that relationships are, “like a business” whereby we monitor the rewards (fun, attention, esteem, etc.) and the costs (time, emotional strain, etc.).
What do people want from a relationship (Social Exchange Theory)
We all want the maximum rewards from a relationship and the minimum costs. The theory proposes that individuals focus on getting out more than they put in.
What are the assumptions of this theory (Social Exchange Theory)
The theory assumes that those who offer rewards are attractive and those who are perceived to involve great costs are less attractive. Relationships that are mutually beneficial will succeed whereas relationships that are imbalanced will fail.
How do we compare relationships (Social Exchange Theory)
We compare our present relationship to previous relationships we have had
(comparison level). We compare our present partner with people around us who we could potentially have a relationship with (comparison level for
alternatives). We look around for a “better deal” if our current relationship is
not satisfactory.
Strengths of Social Exchange Theory
Gottman (1992) found evidence that supports the social exchange theory. He found that individuals in unsuccessful marriages frequently report a lack of positive behaviour exchanges with their partner, and an excess of negative exchanges. In successful marriages where the relationship is happy, the ratio or positive to negative exchanges is 5:1, but in unsuccessful marriages the ratio is 1:1.
Social Exchange Theory has practical applications. Integrated couples therapy (Jacobson, 2000) helps partners to break negative patterns of behaviours and to decrease negative exchanges, whilst increasing positive exchanges. 66% of couples reported significant improvements in their relationship after receiving this form of therapy.
Different people perceive rewards and costs differently so this theory can account for individual differences in attraction.
Weaknesses of Social Exchange Theory
Moghaddam (1998) has criticised the social exchange theory, as it is more applicable to individualistic cultures than collectivist cultures. The perceived costs and rewards of relationships might be very different from one culture to the next. Family values and compatibility might be more important rewards in collectivist cultures. In individualist cultures, rewards might be viewed as a partner buying expensive presents.
Critics of this theory disagree with the idea that people spend a great deal of time monitoring their relationship in terms of rewards and costs. They argue that people only monitor rewards and costs once the relationship becomes dissatisfying. For instance, we only look at comparison levels in a relationship when we are already dissatisfied, not when we are happy and the relationship is successful.
The social exchange theory is rooted in the Behaviourist Approach whereby the focus of relationship maintenance is about rewards and operant conditioning. However, some relationships have little rewards but many costs, (e.g. violent relationships) and yet but they still continue.
