Maintenance Flashcards
Social Exchange Theory (Thibaut & Kelly) Equity Theory (Walster et al) Three Strategies for Maintainance
What is the collective term for theories such as Social Exchange Theory and Equity Theory?
Economic theories
According to Economic theories, what is each partner constantly carrying out either consciously or unconsciously?
A cost-benefit analysis
What is the basic premise of Social Exchange Theory?
When you weigh up the costs and benefits of a relationship, it is important to be in profit. The more profit, the happier you will be!
What two tools do we use to determine whether our current relationship is profitable enough?
Comparison Level (CL) - profit of previous relationships that we compare it against.
Comparison Level for Alternatives (CL alt) - potential profit of an alternative relationship that is available to you.
(GIVE EXAMPLES)
Why would someone stay in a relationship even if it is not profitable? Give example.
Strong barriers! eg. money, family, religion, culture, children.
What is a major criticism of social exchange theory?
SELFISH!! we appear selfish as we fail to take into account our partner’s profit. Resulted in the development of equity theory.
What is the basic development of Equity Theory?
We will only be happy in our relationships if the profit is fair. Both partners will feel dissatisfied if there is inequity.
Those under-benefited will feel exploited/resentful.
Those over-benefited will feel guilty.
Does this mean that each and every favour has to be returned?
Note that equity does not mean equality. It’s all bout the ratio of cost and benefit. ie. John may put more in than Hannah but also get more out.
Does a relationship end as soon as it becomes inequitable?
No!! We are motivated to restore equality by employing maintenance strategies.
What are the 3 maintenance strategies?
Change the amount you put into the relationship.
Demand more from the relationship.
Change your perception of the benefits and costs in the relationship.
Do comparison levels apply to Equity Theory? Is there any difference?
Yes. But instead of comparing your current profitability against your past, you compare how equitable your current relationship is compared to past ones. Therefore, unless past or potential relationships would be more equitable than the current one,. we will choose to maintain this relationship.
Give the details of one piece of research supporting Equity Theory.
STAFFORD & CANARY: Self-report of 200 married couples who rated both equality and satisfaction. Satisfaction was highest in those who rated their relationship as equitable. Supports ET as it suggests we are more happy in fair relationships.
Give the details of one piece of research supporting Social Exchange Theory.
CATE & LLOYD: longitudinal study of 90 premarital relationships using self-report questionnaires. Found that relationship satisfaction was best predicted by rewards, rather than fairness, at the current time but also over time.
How can Economic Theories explain why people stay in abusive relationships? (practical application)
Either their comparison level was worse OR their comparison level for alternatives is worse (they think that no one will want them) OR they have very strong barriers (eg. children) meaning that less profit is needed.
What can economic theory help couples to do in therapy?
In Behavioural Marital Therapy couples can asses the profit of themselves and their partner and employ one of the 3 behavioural strategies to improve the quality of their relationship.
