Relationships- equity theory Flashcards
What is equity theory based off
Fairness for each partner
What is equity theory based off and who refined it
SET
Walster
When does dissatisfaction occur
If a partner feels they are over or under benefitting
What does over benefitting result in
Guilt, comfort shame
What does under benefitting result in
Anger, hostility, resentment & humiliation
What does equity mean
Giving everyone what they need to be successful.
What is equality
Treating everyone the same
According to equity theory Partners will recognise what
Disparity if there is any, and have chances to save their r/ship
How many principles did Walster base equity theory off
4
What are the 4 principles that Walster bases equity theory off
Profit
Distribution
Dissatisfaction
Realignment
What does profit mean
Rewards are maximised and costs minimised
- mini max strategy
What is distribution
Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to achieve fairness in a relationship
What is dissatisfaction
The greater the degree of perceived unfairness, the greater sense of dissatisfaction
What is realignment
If restoring equity is possible, maintenance will continue, with attempts made to realign equity.
Evaluation -Evidence (Dainton)
P- There is evidence to support the principles of equity theory
E- Dainton , studied 219 individuals in romantic relationships found people who perceived inequity had low satisfaction in their r/ship.
E- However, most individuals were actually motivated to return to an equitable state,
L-Suggesting that equity has a major influence over a romantic r/ship.
Evaluation -Cross cultural support
P- There is also cross cultural support for the role of equity in R/ships
E-Yum et al Researched cultural differences in 6 different cultures (US, Spain, Japan, China, South Korea, Czech Republic). While there were little differences between cultures, Yum found that equitable couples performed the most maintenance strategies, suggesting it takes a lot of effort to keep a relationship equitable.
E- The next group who performed the most maintenance strategies were the over-benefitters, followed by the under-benefitters.
L-Hence, this implies that EQUITY in R/ships is important in many cultures and could be seen as part of a general law in R/ships
Evaluation - Cause and effect
P- Inequity and dissatisfaction are certainly linked – but could just be correlational
E- Clark (1984) argues most people in R/ships do not think in terms of rewards and equity = if they do R/ships in trouble.
L- This suggests that dissatisfaction causes inequity, and not the effect of inequity
Evaluation -Individual differences
P- Equity theory does not take into account INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES?
E-Not all partners in R/ships are concerned about achieving equity. Huseman (1987) suggested that SOME people are less sensitive to equity than others. They are separated into two types of people;
E- Benevolents – those who are prepared to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it.Entitleds - those who believe they deserve to over benefit and accept it without feeling distressed or guilty.
L- This suggests EQUITY Theory fails to consider dispositional factors that make ‘fairness’ more or less of a concern
What did Dainton do/find
Dainton , studied 219 individuals in romantic relationships found people who perceived inequity had low satisfaction in their r/ship.
What did Yum find
E-Yum et al Researched cultural differences in 6 different cultures (US, Spain, Japan, China, South Korea, Czech Republic). While there were little differences between cultures, Yum found that equitable couples performed the most maintenance strategies, suggesting it takes a lot of effort to keep a relationship equitable.
E- The next group who performed the most maintenance strategies were the over-benefitters, followed by the under-benefitters.
