Relationships - 3. Theories of Romantic Relationships: 2. Equity Theory Flashcards
How does the Equity Theory differ from the SET?
SET assumes that people are selfish and don’t consider others in relationships.
Equity Theory states that individuals look for fairness in relationships and that the rewards they receive will be equal to the rewards they provide
What does inequity cause individuals to crave in a relationship?
Inequity causes individuals to crave balance in the relationship
What is the important factor to the survival of relationships according to the Equity Theory?
The size or amount of rewards and the costs of these rewards are irrelevant, but the ratio of the two is the important factor
What makes a ratio fair and even in a relationship?
If one partner puts a lot in and gets a lot out in return
Changes in perceived equity
At the start of a relationship it may be natural to contribute more than you receive
If the relationship develops and you continue to put in more and get less out, it will not be as satisfying as previously
How may partners deal wit inequity?
Partners may revise the costs and rewards so that the relationship feels more equitable to them, even if nothing changes.
The cost turns into the norms
Who carried out research into equity in romantic relationships?
Van Yperen and Buunk 1990
What did Van Yperen and Buunk conduct and what did they find?
Conducted a longitudinal study of 259 couples recruited from a newspaper ad.
Couples were asked about their satisfaction in their relationships a year later and those who viewed their relationship as equitable in the original study were more satisfied.
How are cultural differences a limitation to the Equity Theory?
The theory assumes the need for equity is necessary across all cultures in the world.
Couples in an individualistic culture considered their relationships to be most satisfying when the relationship was equitable.
Couples in a collectivist culture were most satisfied when they believed that society was benefitting from the relationship
How are individual differences a limitation to the Equity Theory?
Not everyone necessarily seeks equity in romantic relationships.
Some people are less sensitive to equity than others.
Some partners are benevolents meaning they are prepared to contribute more than what they get out in order to satisfy their partners.
Some partners are entitleds meaning they believe the deserve to be benefitted and accept it without guilt
