Lesson 6 - Equity Theory Flashcards
What is Equity Theory
Equity theory is an economic model of relationships based on the idea of
fairness for each partner. It emphasises the need for each partner to
experience a balance between their costs/effort and their benefits/rewards.
When is distress felt in a relationship (Equity Theory)
Distress will be felt if the relationship becomes unfair.
What happens when people over-benefit (Equity Theory)
If people over-benefit in their relationship and receive more rewards than their partner they might feel guilt or pity.
What happens when people under-benefit (Equity Theory)
If people under-benefit in their relationship and receive less rewards than their partner, they might feel angry or sad.
When can imbalances be tolerated (Equity Theory)
An imbalance of rewards can be tolerated as long as both parties accept the situation; then the relationship will continue. An example could be that someone has lost their job, and their partner will tolerate and understand this.
Why do rewards and costs not have to be split 50/50 (Equity Theory)
Equity does not always mean equality. Equity also means “fairness,” and each person in the relationship must feel that the relationship is fair. An equitable relationship has a fair ratio of rewards and costs for each individual.
Strengths of Equity Theory
DeMaris (2007) studied 1500 couples as part of the US National Survey of Families and Households. He found that if women were under-benefitting to a high degree, then there was a high risk of divorce occurring. Therefore equity and inequity seem to be very important for women in a relationship.
Brosnan (2003) found that female monkeys became angry if they were denied a prize (grapes) for playing a game with a researcher, especially if they saw
another monkey who had not played the game receive the grapes instead. The monkeys got so angry that they hurled food at the experimenter. It seems that ideas of equity are rooted in our ancient origins.
Weaknesses of Equity Theory
Equity theory is more applicable to individualistic cultures rather than collectivist cultures. In individualistic cultures people might be more concerned with equal rewards and costs in order for a relationship to be successful. However, in collectivist cultures, extended family networks and family values might be more important when maintaining a relationship, rather than focusing on rewards and costs and the idea of equity. Relationships in collectivist cultures might be successful due to cultural expectations and obligations of roles rather than equity of rewards and costs.
Buunk (1996) found no association between equity in a relationship and the
future quality and maintenance of a relationship. Therefore just because a
relationship is equal and fair in terms of rewards and costs; it does not mean
that the relationship will progress. People have free will to choose whether to
continue with a relationship or not; and just because a relationship is equitable it does not mean the relationship will necessarily continue and last.
Research conducted by Mills and Clark (1982) criticised equity theory. They
said that it is not possible to assess equity in loving relationships, as many of
the rewards and costs are emotional/psychological and cannot be easily
quantified or measured. If we measure rewards and costs then it could diminish the quality of love in the relationship which could be damaging.
