RELATIONSHIP ( SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY) Flashcards
Outline the Social Exchange Theory
The likelihood of a person staying in a relationship is determined by an assessment of what they get out of the relationship compared to what they put in , and how the relationship measures up against what they expect and what they might achieve in a different relationship.
Outline profit and loss as a factor of the social exchange theory
Thibaut and Kelly proposed that the reward of a relationship - the costs = outcome.
The commitment to a relationship is dependant upon profitability , we want to maximise our rewards and minimise costs.
However rewards are subjective , what we see as valuable/costly might change over the course of the relationship.
Outline Comparison Level as a factor of the social exchange theory
The standard at which all relationships are judged. Our CL is based on previous experience as well as general views of expectations.
If the potential profit exceeds our CL the relationship is judged as worth while - attracted and vice versa.
Outline Comparison Level for Alternatives ( CLA) as a factor of the social exchange theory
We can weigh up the potential rewards from a different partner, minus any costs associated with ending the relationship . We all stay in our relationship as long as we see it to be rewarding / profitable than the alternatives
Outline one supporting research for the social exchange theory
In a longitudinal study of 101 couples at US university Sprecher (2001) found that the CL alt was the important variable in relationship satisfaction. Sprecher showed the CL alt was negatively correlated to the relationships. I.e. if commitment is high then alternatives are low and vice versa.
Evidence for the influence of CL for ALT
EVALUATE THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
STRENGTH - The Cl-alt helps to explain why somebody would terminate a relationship they were satisfied with in that the alternative partner can offer even more. It could explain why people may stay in abusive relationship . ( Rasbults) As if they have put a lot into the relationship and there is no CL alt then they may stay in that relationship
LIMITATION - It has inconsistent empirical research . Clark and Mills (1979) identified two different styles of couples ( communal and exchange couples) . In the communal couple they have positive regard for each other and believe over time each will receive equal benefits. The exchange couple are more about here and now
