Relationships - equity theory Flashcards
define equity theory
an economic theory of how relationships develop. Acknowledges the impact of rewards and costs on relationship satisfaction.
why dose equity theory critics the Social Exchange Theory
because it ignores the central role of equity:
the perception that partners have about wether the distribution of reward and cost in relationship is fare.
what dose Walster et al. (1978) propose
that what matters most with equity is that both partners level of profit is roughly the same.
level of profit is not the same as…
equality: where cost and rewards have to be the same
what dose lack of equity lead to
over benefits and under benefits. - inequality.
what dose the underbeneffited partner often feel
greatest dissatisfaction. - anger hostility resentment and humiliation.
what dose the over benefitted partner often feel
may feel less dissatisfied but still : guilt, discomfort and shame.
an example of equity and equality ratio
when a partner puts a lot of effort into their relationship and get a lot out of it and in return they will feel satisfied.
however if they don’t get as much back they will be unsatisfied.
