lesson 5 - social exchange theory

Question 1

what is social exchange theory

Answer 1

economic theory of romantic relationships and is based on the idea that relationships are ‘like a business’ whereby we monitor the rewards and the costs. 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

Question 2

what does this theory assume

Answer 2

those who offer rewards are attractive and those who are perceived to involve great costs are less attractive. relationships that are imbalanced will fail

Question 3

what do we compare our present relationships to

Answer 3

previous we have had. we compare our present partner w ppl around us who we could potentially have a relationship w (comparison level for alternatives) we look for a ‘better deal’ if our current relationship is not satisfactory

Question 4

strengths of social exchange theory

Answer 4

• gottman found evidence that supports the social exchange theory. he found that indnivuals in unsuccessful marriages frequently report a lack of positive behaviour exchanges w their partner and an excess of negative exchanges. in successful marriages where the relationship is happy, the ratio or positive to negative exchange is 5:1 but in unsuccessful marriages the ratio is 1:1
• social exchange theory has practical applications. integrated couples therapy 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 ppl receive rewards and costs differently so this theory can account for individual differences in attraction

Question 5

weaknesses of social exchange theory

Answer 5

• moghaddam 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 culture. in individualist cultures rewards might be viewed as partner buying expensive presents
• critics of this theory disagree w the idea that ppl seeped a great deal of time monitoring their relationship in terms of retreads and costs. they argue that ppl 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 behaviourists approach whereby the focus of relationship maintenance is ab rewards and operant conditioning. however some relationships have little rewards but many costs and yet they still continue eg violent relationships