lesson 6 - equity theory

Question 1

what is equity theory

Answer 1

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/efforts and their benefits/rewards

Question 2

how do ppl feel when they are over or under benefitting

Answer 2

distress will be felt if the relationship becomes unfair. if ppl are over beneffiting in their relationship and recieve more rewards than their partner they might feel guilt or pity. if ppl under benefit in their relationship and receive less rewards than their partner they might feel angry or sad

Question 3

when can an imbalance of rewards be tolerated

Answer 3

as long as both parties accept the situation then the relationship continues. an example could be that someone has lost their job and their partner will tolerate and understand this

Question 4

diff between equity and equality

Answer 4

equity does not mean equality. equity also means fairness and each person in the relationship has a fair ratio of rewards and costs for each individual

Question 5

strengths of equity theory

Answer 5

DeMaris studied 1500 couples as part of the US national survey of families and households. he found that if the 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 found that female moneys became angry if they were denied a prize for playing a game w a researcher esp if they saw another monkey who had not played the game receive the grapes instead. the monkeys got so angry they hurled food at the experimenter. it seems that the ideas of equity are rooted in our ancient origins

Question 6

weakness of equity theory

Answer 6

• more applicable to individualistic cultures rather than collectivist cultures. in individualistic cultures people might be more concerned w equal rewards and costs in order for a relationship to be successful. however, in collectivist cultures extended fam networks and fam 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 more successful due to cultural expectation and obligations of roles rather than equity of rewards and costs
• bunk found no association between equity in a relationship and the future quality and maintenance of a relationship. therefore js because a relationship is equal and fair in terns of rewards and costs it does not mean that the relationship will progress. people have free will to choose whether the relationship will continue or not and js because a relationship is quotable it does not mean it will continue or last
• research conducted by mills and clark criticised equity theory. they said 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