Relationships-Equity Theory

Question 1

Who created the Equity Theory?

Answer 1

Walster et al (1978)

Question 2

Why was the Equity Theory made?

Answer 2

Due to the fact that the other two models said that humans are selfish

Question 3

What is the Equity Theory?

Answer 3

Proposed that people look for fairness and equity in relationship, through expectation that rewards they receive from partner will be equal to rewards they provide

Question 4

What is the difference between Social Exchange Theory and Equity Theory?

Answer 4

-People are comfortable when they get equal profits and costs and do not need more profits than costs to feel comfortable

Question 5

What is a study supporting Equity Theory?

Answer 5

Mary Utne (1984)

Question 6

What was Mary Utne (1984)

Answer 6

Carried out survey of 118 married couples measuring equity; researchers found couples who considered relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as over benefitting or under-benefitting

Question 7

What is a study challenging Equity Theory?

Answer 7

Husemen et al (1987) showed there are benevolents, who are prepared to contribute more to relationship than they get out of it and there are also entitleds, who believe they deserve to be overbenefitted showing equity is not global feature of all romantic relationships

Question 8

What are the positives of Equity Theory?

Answer 8

• Research Support
• Real-life application in relationship counselling and could help relationship feeling more equitable and that relationship will survive

Question 9

What are the negatives of Equity Theory?

Answer 9

• No cause and effect as correlation so not only inequitability only factor on break-down of relationships
• Equitable is subjective as some people may feel more ‘hard done by’ than others
• Cultural bias as based on Western society as in other cultures they may feel less ‘hard done by’ as could be viewed more permanent and so breakup and divorce may not be an option