RELATIONSHIPS - theories of romantic relationships : Equity Theory

Question 1

what is the equity theory?

Answer 1

Another economic theory developed in response to a criticism of SET. It takes into account the need most people have for balance rather than profit in a relationship.

Question 2

what is equity?

Answer 2

fairness

Question 3

explain Walster et al (1978)?

Answer 3

Equity is more important where both partners level of profit should be the same.

Question 4

What are the consequences of inequity?

Answer 4

lack of equity =
1. underbenefitted partner = least satisfied, feels anger and resentment.
2. Overbenefitted partner = feel guilt, discomfort and shame.
3. changes in perceived equity = increased perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction

= negative impacts on relationship

Question 5

How do you deal with inequity?

Answer 5

UNDERBENEFITTED PARTNER = motivated to make the relationship more equitable as long as they believe this is possible

greater the inequity = more work needed to restore equity

• cognitive change can occur = what was seen as a cost in the past is now accepted as a norm

Question 6

give the strengths of research into equity.

Answer 6

+ RESEARCH SUPPORT = Utne et al (1984) = 118 married couples completed questionnaire which measured equity. Ps were together for more than 2 years before marrying.
FINDINGS = couples who considered their relationship as more equitable were more satisfied than couples who thought that they were under/over benefitting. = RW relationships supporting equity theory = increases validity and value of ET.

Question 7

give the limitations of research into equity

Answer 7

-COUNTERPOINT = Berg + McQuinn (1986) = found that equity did not increase over time.

Other variables such as self disclosure were significantly more important = undermines validity of ET as equity does not play the role in the satisfaction of a relationship.

• CULTURAL LIMITATIONS = may not apply to all cultures
  AUMER-RYAN et al (2007) =
  INDIVIDUALIST CULTURE COUPLES (US) = considered relationships to be more satisfying when it was equitable
  COLLECTIVIST CULTURE (Jamaica) = more satisfied when overbenefitting.
  ET is limited as it only applies to some cultures.
• INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES = not all partners in relationships are concerned about achieving equity.
  HUSEMAN ET AL (1987) = some ppl are BENEVOLENTS = prepared to contribute more to relationship
  OR ENTITLEDS = believe that they deserve the overbenefit and accept it without feeling distressed.
  = desire for equity varies from person to person