Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
Social Exchange Theory
Economic theory
We form a relationship if it is rewarding
We wish to maximise rewards from a relationship (eg.
love, sex, companionship, support) & minimise costs
(time, effort, money spent, opportunities lost, risk
involved)
The rewards minus the costs equals the outcome
The goal is to achieve a situation of profit: where
rewards exceed the costs
Rewards – Cost = Outcome
Comparison Level
To judge how one partner compares to another
potential one on the profitability front, partners use a
comparison level – a standard against which all
relationships are compared
The comparison level is based on memories of past
experiences combined with expectations of what we
want and can expect in the future
Comparison Level for Alternatives
We weigh up the potential increase in rewards
from an alternative partner against any costs
associated with ending the current relationship
Comparison Level for Alternatives (2)
When we meet a new partner, he/she is compared with the comparison level, and if the profit of this new relationship is thought to exceed the comparison level, a relationship will be formed
Then if the person meets someone else, the comparison level for
alternatives is referred to;
This is where the potential rewards from the new partner are greater than the costs of ending the existing relationship
If the rewards are greater, the existing relationship may be terminated and a new one formed
Stages of Relationship Development: Sampling
We consider the potential rewards and costs of a relationship and compare it with other relationships available at the time.
Stages of Relationship Development: Bargaining
We give and receive rewards to test whether a deeper relationship is worthwhile.
Stages of Relationship Development: Commitment
The relationship increases in predictability so each
partner knows how to elicit rewards from the other, which lowers costs.
Stages of Relationship Development: Institutionalisation
The relationship norms are developed which establishes the patterns of rewards and costs for each partner.
Comparison Level
People’s expectations about the level of rewards and punishments they are likely to receive in a particular relationship
Comparison Level for Alternatives
People’s expectations about the level of rewards and
punishments they would receive in an alternative relationship
A03 SET
Reductionist – assumes all relationships are exchange based
Assumes that all relationships are economic in nature.
One argument is that romantic partners do not ‘keep score’ because if they did it would undermine trust.
A03 SET (2)
Cause and effect
Claims that dissatisfaction only arises after a relationships
stops being profitable.
An alternative explanation suggests we do not consider
alternatives under after we are dissatisfied.
A03 SET (3)
Vague concepts
SET deals in concepts that are vague and hard to quantify. Real
world rewards are subjective and hard to define.
It is also unclear how a comparison level works.
