P3: Equity Theory (WALSTER 1978)

Question 1

Describe equity theory

Answer 1

To strike a balance between C&B that inds have key to successful R.
Not to maximise their B but to have a ‘fair R’

Question 2

Equity between partners

Answer 2

V subjective. But differences in the perception can lead to being over/under B.
Disparity leads to ind feeling envious that their input isn’t reciprocal.

Question 3

Costs & input doesn’t stay the same

Answer 3

One partner can inc their costs to inc their Ps rewards or vice versa.
Input/ cost is much higher at the start of R in order to secure the P.
But falls as a standard of equity develops between the two.

Question 4

AO3: + Stafford and Canary. Use of maintenance strategies

Answer 4

Researched how equity & satisfaction predicts use of maintenance strategies.
F: satisfaction is at peak for those who perceived their R to be equal than over benefited. UB husbands showed significantly low lvls of maintenance strategies.

Question 5

AO3: - meta analysis

Answer 5

Distinguish betw exchange R (betw colleagues) and communal R ( betw lovers). They argued that ER may inv keeping track of C/B but CR are governed by a desire to respond to needs of P. Still concerned w equity but believes in things improving in the long run.

Question 6

Consider the methodology of the meta analysis

Answer 6

We don’t know how val & rel the results of the studies are.

This limits how useful the study is.

Question 7

AO3: I&D: gender differences

Answer 7

Gender diff being ignored
Sprecher: found women in R are more concerned when UB n feel more guild when OB.
So women tend to focus on details more and more sensitive to injustice unlike men.
Best if these studies were done on males & females separately.