RELATIONSHIPS - Equity Theory Flashcards
1
Q
Equity theory
A
- economic model of relationships based on the idea of
fairness for each partner - emphasises the need for each partner to experience a balance between their costs/effort and their benefits/rewards
2
Q
What will be felt if the relationship becomes unfair
A
Distress
3
Q
What happens if people over-benefit in their relationship and recieve more rewards from their partner
A
they feel guilt or pity
4
Q
What happens if people under-benefit in their relationship and recieve less rewards from their partner
A
they feel angry or sad
5
Q
In what instance can an imbalance of rewards be tolerated?
A
- as long as both partners accept the situation
- e.g. one partner loses their job and the other tolerates and understands this
6
Q
What is actually meant by an equitable relationship
A
- fair ratio of cost and reward for each person
- each person in the relationship must feel that the relationship is fair
7
Q
AO3 Evaluation points Equity Theory
A
- DeMaris divorce risk women
- Brosnan female monkeys
- Individual vs collectivist cultures
- Buunk free will
8
Q
AO3 DeMaris divorce risk women evaluation point Equity Theory
A
- 1500 couple
- high risk of divorce when women are under-benefitting to a high degree in a relationship
- therefore equity and inequity are crucial factors for women in relationships
9
Q
AO3 Brosnan female monkeys evaluation point Equity Theory
A
- Monkeys became angry when denied a prize (grapes) after playing a game,
- especially if other monkeys who didn’t play received grapes
- monkeys hurled food in anger at experimenter
- therefore ideas of equity may be rooted in ancient origins
10
Q
AO3 Individualistic vs collectivist cultures evaluation point Equity Theory
A
- Individualistsic: greater concern for equal rewards and costs in relationships
- Collectivist: emphasis on family values and cultural obligations
- so the equity theory is more relevant to individualistsic than collectivist cultures
11
Q
AO3 Buunk free will evalutation point Equity Theory
A
- No link between equity in a relationship and its future quality or maintenance
- fair balance of rewards and costs doesn’t guarantee relationship progression
- People exercise free will in deciding whether to continue a relationship, regardless of equity
- equitable relationship doesn’t ensure that it will last
