Relationships Flashcards
Social exchange theory
one of the so-called ‘economic’ theories of relationships. Economic theories describe relationships as a series of exchanges aiming at balancing rewards and costs.
How do Thibault and Kelly describe romantic relationships?
using the economic terminology of profit and loss. They claim that partners in relationships strive to maximise rewards (companionship, emotional support) and minimise costs (stress, arguments). Notions of rewards and costs are subjective and costs also tend to change over time
How do people assed how profitable their relationship is?
Using levels of comparison
What is the first level of comparison?
Comparison Level
Comparison Level (
based on person’s idea of how much reward they deserve to receive in relationships. This understanding is subjective and depends on previous romantic experiences and cultural norms of what is appropriate to expect from relationships.
Where are norms of the comparison level reinforced?
by books, films and TV programmes and are closely linked to a persons self esteem - if they have high self esteem they will have higher expectations of rewards and vice versa.
What is the second comparison level called?
Comparison Level for alternatives
Comparison Level for alternative
concerns a person’s perception of whether other potential relationships or staying alone would be more rewarding than being in their current relationship.
According to the social exchange theory, why will people stick to their current relationship?
as long as they find them more profitable than the alternatives. Furthermore, if people consider themselves to be content in their current relationships, they may not even notice that there are available alternatives.
What are the series of stages Thibault and Kelly say all relationships go through?
Sampling stage
Bargaining stage
Commitment stage
Sampling stage
where people explore potential rewards and costs of relationships, not just romantic ones, either by direct experience or by observing others.
Bargaining stage
which is the first stage of any romantic relationship. At this stage, partners exchange rewards and costs, figure out the most profitable exchanges and negotiate the dynamics of the relationship
Commitment stage
when relationships become more stable, and partners become familiar with sources of rewards and costs, and each other’s expectations, so rewards increase and costs lessen.
What is an evaluation of the social exchange theory?
Research support for Social Exchange Theory is lacks mundane realism. Emerson and cook done lab experiment where each pp bargained with partner to maximise personal score
But real life based on trust and getting ti know so lacks internal validity and is less applicable .
What is a strength of the social exchange theory?
Many useful applications. Integrated behavioural couples therapy - trained to maximise and minisme costs in everyday actions, Christiansen et al said 2/3 of couples treated with this reported having improved and happier. Shows set can be used to help couples.
What is the equity theory?
Another economic theory that was developed in reponse to the criticisms of SET, SET fails to take into account the need most people have for equity in relationships.
What does the equity theory suggest?
That partners are concerned about fairness in relatiosnhos.
What is the difference between equity and equality?
equality, rewards and costs for both partners needs to be the same.
Equity - a percieved fairness
How is fairness achieved?
When people feel they get approximately what they deserve from relationships.
What happens when there is a lack of equity?
one partner over benefits and the other partner under benefits from the relationship which leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
What does satisfaction come from?
Perceived fairness
When do problems arise accordinf to the equity theory?
when one partner puts a lot in to a relationship but gets little back in return. A partner who is the subject of inequity will become distressed and
dissatisfied.
