Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

What is social exchange theory?

Answer 1

It is based on the idea that relationships are like a business. We monitor the rewards (esteem, fun, attention etc) and the costs (time, strain etc). We all want maximum rewards and minimum costs from a relationship. Relationships that are mutually beneficial will succeed.

Question 2

Comparison in social exchange theory

Answer 2

We compare our present partner with previous relationships we have had (COMPARISON level). We also compare our present partners to other potential partners we could be in a relationship with (COMPARISON level with ALTERNATIVES). We look for “better deals” if we are unsatisfied with our current relationship.

Question 3

Strength of social exchange theory

Answer 3

• ) A study found individuals in unsuccessful marriages reported having less positive behaviour exchanges with their partner then negative ones. In successful marriages the ratio of positive behaviour exchanges to negative ones is 5:1 while in unsuccessful marriages it’s 1:1.
• ) different people perceive rewards and costs differently so the theory accounts for individual differences in attraction.

Question 4

Weakness of social exchange theory

Answer 4

• ) the theory is rooted in the behaviourist approach as it focuses on rewards and operant conditioning as the focus of relationship maintenance . However some relationships have little rewards but many costs but they still continue so the theory may nit be comprehensive.
• ) People disagree with the idea that people spend a great deal of time monitoring their relationship in terms of rewards and costs. They argue that they inky measure the rewards and costs when the relationship becomes dissatisfying. An example is that we only look at comparison levels in a relationship when we are already dissatisfied.
• ) The theory is more applicable to individualistic cultures than collectivistic cultures. The perceived costs and rewards of a relationship might be very different in different cultures, family values and compatibility might be more important release in collectivist cultures while wealth might be more important in individualistic cultures.