Relationships- equity theory

Question 1

What is equity theory based off

Answer 1

Fairness for each partner

Question 2

What is equity theory based off and who refined it

Answer 2

SET
Walster

Question 3

When does dissatisfaction occur

Answer 3

If a partner feels they are over or under benefitting

Question 4

What does over benefitting result in

Answer 4

Guilt, comfort shame

Question 5

What does under benefitting result in

Answer 5

Anger, hostility, resentment & humiliation

Question 6

What does equity mean

Answer 6

Giving everyone what they need to be successful.

Question 7

What is equality

Answer 7

Treating everyone the same

Question 8

According to equity theory Partners will recognise what

Answer 8

Disparity if there is any, and have chances to save their r/ship

Question 9

How many principles did Walster base equity theory off

Answer 9

4

Question 10

What are the 4 principles that Walster bases equity theory off

Answer 10

Profit
Distribution
Dissatisfaction
Realignment

Question 11

What does profit mean

Answer 11

Rewards are maximised and costs minimised
- mini max strategy

Question 12

What is distribution

Answer 12

Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to achieve fairness in a relationship

Question 13

What is dissatisfaction

Answer 13

The greater the degree of perceived unfairness, the greater sense of dissatisfaction

Question 14

What is realignment

Answer 14

If restoring equity is possible, maintenance will continue, with attempts made to realign equity.

Question 15

Evaluation -Evidence (Dainton)

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Evaluation -Cross cultural support

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Evaluation - Cause and effect

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Evaluation -Individual differences

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What did Dainton do/find

Answer 19

Dainton , studied 219 individuals in romantic relationships found people who perceived inequity had low satisfaction in their r/ship.

Question 20

What did Yum find

Answer 20

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.