RS- Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

What is the social exchange theory?

Answer 1

• Thibault and Kelley suggest an economic theory of romantic relationships, in which satisfaction of the relationship is judged by considering the ‘rewards’ and ‘costs’ the relationship produces.
• people use min/max principle to minimise the losses and maximise the rewards, leading to ‘profit’.
• What counts as rewards and costs will vary from person to person.
• Examples of rewards can be : financial support, self esteem, sex etc
• Examples of losses can be : financial loss , stress and giving up time

Question 2

What is comparison level?

Answer 2

• A comparison level is a reference level where the present relationship is compared to previous relationships.
• The present relationship should have higher rewards and less costs to be successful.

Question 3

What is the comparison level for alternatives?

Answer 3

• When a person compares their partner present with people around them who they could potentially have a relationship with.

Question 4

Evaluate the social exchange theory. (ADVANTAGES)

Answer 4

1) Gottesman found evidence which supports the social exchange theory.
- He found that individuals in unsuccessful marriages frequently report a lack of positive behaviour exchanges with their partner, and an excess of negative exchanges.
- In successful marriages, the ratio of positive to negative exchanges is 5:1, but in unsuccessful marriages the ratio is 1:1.

Question 5

Evaluate the social exchange theory. (DISADVANTAGES)

Answer 5

1) Miller (1997) found that those who rated themselves as being in a committed relationship spent less time looking at images of attractive people, suggesting that dissatisfaction in a relationship is what leads to the costs/rewards being calculated, rather than the calculation leading to dissatisfaction. This weakens the prediction of SET.

2) Moghaddam (1998) has criticised the social exchange theory, as it is more applicable to western, individualistic cultures and therefore the theory might be difficult to apply to eastern cultures.
- The perceived costs and rewards of relationships might be very different round the world from one culture to the next.
- For example in some cultures where a basic lifestyle is acceptable such as in some parts of Africa; it may be sufficient to be in a relationship with a partner who can help provide enough food to eat and have shelter.
- Rewards and costs might not be so important for a romantic relationship.
- Instead, family values and compatibility might be more important in collectivist cultures, and these factors help make the relationship successful