Relationships : Equity Theory Flashcards
Equity Theory
- Equity theory is a theory of romantic relationships proposed by Hagield et al., who view it as an extension of social exchange theory. It suggests people are content in their relationship if the benefits are roughly equal to the costs.
-Relationships that lack equity (where someone is putting in more than they are geqng out of it) are more likely to be associated with dissatisfaction.
What Is the difference between equity theory and social exchange theory?
- Unlike Social Exchange Theory that argues how people try to maximise rewards and minimise costs in relationships, Equity Theory suggests that partners are concerned about fairness in relationships.
- Fairness is achieved when people feel they get approximately what they deserve from relationships.
What is the equity theory of romantic relationships
Equity theory proposes the winning formula of fairness in relationships: one partner’s benefits minus their costs, should equal another partner’s benefits minus their costs.
What happens a partner perceives the relationship as unfair according to the Equity Theory?
If one partner perceives a relationship as unfair, they are going to be dissatisfied with it regardless of whether they are over-benefitting or under-benefitting. According to the Equity Theory, a person who gets more benefits out of relationships than they put in will feel guilt and shame, and those who think they put a lot in but get very little back will be angry and resentful. The longer this feeling of unfairness (lack of equity) goes on, the more likely a couple is to break up.
Problems with equity?
- Equity doesn’t mean equality, though. It is not about the number of rewards and costs, but rather about the balance between them; if a person puts a lot into a relationship and receives a lot, it will feel fair to them.
- Moreover, perception of equity changes over time. For example, it is perfectly normal for many people to put in more than they receive at the beginning of a relationship, but if it carries on like that for too long, it will lead to dissatisfaction.
- Finally, a partner’s way of dealing with inequity also changes with time. What seemed unfair in the beginning may become a norm as relationships progress, or the partner who gives more may start working even harder on the relationship until the balance is restored
Research supporting equity theory?
- The importance of equity in relationships is supported by research findings. Utne et al. (1984) used self-report scales to measure equity and satisfaction in recently married couples. The 118 participants were aged between 16 and 45, and had been together for 2 years or more before marrying. The study found that partners who rated their relationships as more equitable were also more satisfied with them.
- Another study, conducted by Stafford and Canary (2006), also found similar trends. In their study over 200 married couples completed questionnaires on relationship equity and satisfaction . In addition , participants were asked questions about the ways they maintained their relationships, such as by dividing chores, communicating positively and showing affection for one another. They found that partners who perceived their relationships as fair and balanced, followed by spouses who over- benefited from the relationships, experienced the most satisfaction . Those who under-benefited showed lowest levels of satisfaction.
What is the difference between Equity and Equality?
- Equity theory states that the size or amount of rewards and the costs of these rewards is irrelevant, but the ratio of the two is the important factor
- If one partner puts a lot in, and then gets a lot out the ratio is fair and even
- Relationships are marked by negotiations, or potentially compromises to ensure equality.
- The rewards are distributed fairly – this does not mean equally
What happens when is inequity?
- Changes in Perceived Equity
• At the start of a relationship it may be natural contribute more than you receive
• If the relationship develops and you continue put in more and get less out, it will not be as satisfying as previously - Dealing with Inequity
• One partner will work hard to make the relationship work so long as they view it salvageable
• The more unfair the relationship, the harder they try to restore equity
• However, they may also revise the costs and rewards so that the relationship feels more equitable to them, even if nothing changes directly
• The cost turns into the norm
What is research into equity in romantic relationships
Hatfield et al (1979)
•Interviewed over 500 students about equity in their relationships
•3 months later – inequitable relationships were most likely to have ended
Van Yperen and Buunk (1990)
•Longitudinal study – 259 couples recruited from a newspaper ad
•Obtained a score for equity in the relationship and found that 65% viewed their relationship as equitable
•25% of men felt over-benefitted and 25% of women felt under-benefitted
•Couples were asked about their satisfaction in their relationships a year later – those who viewed their relationship as equitable were more satisfied and those who felt under-benefitted were the least satisfied
Strengths of Equity Theory
Hatfield eat al (1979)
- Support Equity Theory’s claim that people seek equity within relationships
Utne et al (1984)
-Survey of 118 recently married couples - measured equity using two self report scales
- Participants aged between 16 and 45 years old - relationships were more than two years old.
- Couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who were under-benefiting or over - benefiting
- Increase validity of equity theory
Dainton and Goss (2003)
- When one individual feels the relationship is inequitable, they are more likely to engage in negative behaviours E.G. infidelity or avoidance
more
- Supports Equity Theory – each partner needs to perceive that the rewards they receive is equal to what they have put in
What did Clark and Mills (2011) say about the types of relationships?
Weaknesses of Equity Theory
Cultural Influences
Individual differences
• The theory assumes the need for equity is nece cultures in the world
• Aumer-Ryan et al (2007)- compared couples in a collectivist culture with those in a individualist culture.
• Individualists considered their relationships to be most satisfying when the relationship was equitable, whereas collectivists were most satisfied when they were over-benefitting
• Equity Theory’s claim that equity is a universal need in all relationships is not true.
Individual differences
• Not everyone necessarily seeks equity in romantic relationships
• Huseman et al (1987) – some people are less sensitive to equity than others – some partners are benevolents (prepared to contribute more than what they get out),others are entitleds (they deserve to be benefitted and accept it without guilty
• Equity is not applicable to all relationships
What is contradictory evidence for the equity theory?
Berg and McQuinn (1986)
- Theory claims that romantic satisfying relationships should become more equitable over time
- Found equity did not increase over time
- Also did not distinguish between those relationships which ended and those which continued, and other variables were significantly more important
- Self-disclosure was more important
What is equity in a relationship
It is not about the number of rewards and costs, but rather about the balance between them; if a person puts a lot into a rela4onship and receives a lot, it will feel fair to them.
