Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

What is social exchange theory?

Answer 1

• the likelihood of a person staying in a relationship is determined by an assessment of what they get out of a relationship compared to what they put in, and how the relationship measures up against what they expect and what they might achieve in a different relationship.

Question 2

What assumption is at the centre of social exchange theory?

Answer 2

• that all behaviour is a series of exchanges (individuals attempt to maximise their rewards and minimise their costs)

Question 3

What do people hope to earn from their relationship?

Answer 3

• profit

Question 4

What are some examples of rewards which may be achieved from a relationship?

Answer 4

• companionship, being cared for and sex

Question 5

What are some examples of costs?

Answer 5

• financial investment and time wasted/missed opportunities

Question 6

What does rewards minus costs equal?

Answer 6

• the outcome for that relationship (overall profit/loss)

Question 7

What does social exchange theory stress that commitment to a relationship is dependent on?

Answer 7

• the profitability of the outcome of rewards minus costs

Question 8

What is a comparison level?

Answer 8

• Thibaut and Kelly proposed that we develop a comparison level which is a standard against which all our relationships are judged.

Question 9

What is a comparison level the product of?

Answer 9

• our experiences in other relationships together with our general views of what we might expect from this particular exchange.

Question 10

How will a relationship be deemed worthwhile based on our comparison levels?

Answer 10

• if the potential profit in a new relationship exceeds our CL then that relationship will be judged as worthwhile.

Question 11

Why might someone have a low CL?

Answer 11

• if they have previously had an unpleasant or unsatisfying relationship.

Question 12

Why might someone have a high CL?

Answer 12

• if they had previously had very rewarding relationships so would have high expectations for the quality of any future relationships.

Question 13

When is a romantic relationships more likely to have a greater degree of solidarity?

Answer 13

• if both partners outcomes or perceived profits are above their comparison level.

Question 14

What is a comparison level for alternatives?

Answer 14

• where a person weighs up a potential increase in rewards from a different partner, minus any costs associated with ending the current relationship.

Question 15

What happens if alternatives are more appealing?

Answer 15

• there will be a temptation for the individual to leave their current relationship and start a new one elsewhere.

Question 16

Evaluation - The Problem Of Costs And Benefits

Answer 16

• Problem = the confusion of what constitutes as a cost and a benefit
• What might be considered rewarding to one person (e.g. constant attention), may be considered punishing to another (may be perceived as irritating).
• What might be seen as a benefit at one stage of the relationship may be seen as a cost at another juncture as partners may redefine something they previously perceived as rewarding or punishing.
• It is difficult to classify all events in such simple terms as ‘costs’ or ‘benefits’ and challenges the view that all romantic relationships operate this way.

Question 17

Evaluation - Evidence For The Influence Of Comparison Level For Alternatives

Answer 17

• Sprecher: Longitudinal Study - 101 dating couples at a US university found that the exchange variable most highly associated with relationship commitment was partners comparison level for alternatives.
• This showed that the presence of alternatives was consistently and negatively correlated with both commitment and relationship satisfaction for both males and females. So, in relationships where comparison level for alternatives was high, commitment to, and satisfaction, with the current relationships tended to be low.
• Sprecher suggests that this is not surprising as those who lack alternatives are likely to remain committed but also those who are satisfied and committed to their relationships are more likely to devalue alternatives.

Question 18

Evaluation - Culture Bias

Answer 18

• Economic theories reflect a Western, individualistic cultural bias (assumes voluntary and temporary nature of relationships) where there is free choice in terms of choosing a partner and in terms of entering into/leaving a relationship. Therefore this theory may not apply cross culturally.
• Reflects a capitalist perspective to view relationships in terms of costs, rewards and profits.