social exchange theory Flashcards
what is the social exchange theory?
- an economic theory of relationships which describes romantic relationships using the terminology of rewards and costs.
according to the social exchange theory, how do we judge relationships?
We judge our satisfaction of a relationship in terms of the profit (rewards – costs).
It assumes individuals make rational decisions about relationships.
what type of theory is the social exchange theory?
an economic theory.
what are examples of costs in a relationship?
- time investment
- money
- conflict
- compromises
what are examples of rewards in a relationship?
- companionship
- emotional support
- financial rewards
- sex
what is the profit of a relationship?
rewards and costs are subjective and also tend to change over time.
profit is what is left over, for example rewards - costs.
what is the minimax principle?
this theory claims that partners in relationships strive to minimise losses and maximise gains.
what is the comparison level (CL)?
the CL is based on a person’s idea of how much rewards they deserve to receive in a relationship.
why is the comparison level in a relationship subjective?
it depends on previous romantic experiences and cultural norms of what is appropriate to expect from relationships.
it is also linked to a persons self esteem.
a person with high self esteem will have higher expectations of rewards, and someone with lower SE will have lower expectations.
what is the comparison level for alternatives?
this considers whether a person’s perception of there potential relationships would be more rewarding than their current relationship.
the theory predicts that we will stay in our relationship if we believe it is more rewarding than alternatives.
what are the stages of relationship development?
- sampling stage
- bargaining stage
- commitment stage
- institutionalisation stage
who created the stages of relationship development?
Thibault and Kelly.
what is the sampling stage of a relationship?
where people explore potential rewards and costs of relationships, not just romantic ones, either by direct experience or by observing others.
what is the bargaining stage of a relationship?
the first stage of any romantic relationships. At this stage, partners exchange rewards and costs, figure out the most profitable exchanges and negotiate the dynamics of the relationships.
what is the commitment stage of a relationship?
when relationships become more stable, and partners become familiar with sources or rewards and costs, and each other’s expectations, so rewards increase and costs lessen.
