RELATIONSHIPS - Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
Social exchange theory
Economic theory of romantic relationships based on the idea that relationships are like a business where we monitor rewards and costs
What are examples of rewards according to Social Exchange Theory
fun, attention, esteem
What are examples of costs according to social exchange theory
time, emotional strain
What do we want from a relationship according to social exchange theory
maximum rewards and minimum costs
What do individuals focus on in a relationship according to social exchange theory
getting out more than they put in
What does the theory assume in terms of attractiveness and reward
The more attractive you are, the more likely you are to offer rewards. The less attractive you are, the more costs are involved
Mutually beneficial vs imbalanced relationships
mutually beneficial relationships will succeed wheras imbalanced relationships will fail
Comparing our present relationship with PREVIOUS relationships we have had
comparison level
Comparing our present partner with POTENTIAL partners
comparison level for alternatives
What do we do if our current relationship is not satisfactory according to social exchange theory
We look around for a “better deal” if our current relationship is
not satisfactory
AO3 Social Exchange Theory evaluation points
- Gottman unsuccessful marriages
- Integrated couples therapy
- Perception of rewards and costs
- Moghaddam individualistic vs collectivist
AO3 Gottman unsuccessful marriages evaluation point Social Exchange Theory
- found that individuals in unsuccessful marriages report lack of positive behaviour exchanges with partner
- excess of negative exchanges
- Successful marriages: 5:1 positive to negative exchanges
- unsuccessful marriages 1:1
AO3 Integrated couples therapy evaluation point Social Exchange Theory
- practical applications
- ICT helps partners break negative patterns of behaviour
- helps decrease negative exchanges and increase positive exchanges
- 66% of couples improved after undergoing ICT
AO3 Perception of rewards and costs evaluation point Social Exchange Theory
Different people perceive rewards and costs differently so this theory can account for individual differences in attraction.
AO3 Moghaddam individualistic vs collectivist evaluation point Social Exchange Theory
- critisised SET
- more applicable to individualistic than collectivist cultures
- percieved costs and rewards of relationships may differ from one culture to the next
- family values and compatibility more important rewards in COLLECTIVIST
- buying expensive gifts more important rewards in INDIVIDUALISTIC
