Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What is social exchange theory
A
- theory w partners seeing relationships as similar to a business performing a cost-benefit analysis maximising & minimising reward
2
Q
What is min-max principle
A
- min-max principle
- rewards include self esteem, entertainment, financial security, friendship, sex
- costs include giving up self time, emotional instability, stress, loss of money
3
Q
Comparison level
A
- estimation of how rewarding a relationship should be
- estimate this through previous relationships (seen in the media, from our parents)
- acceptable cl changes over a lifetime is accepted
4
Q
Comparison against alternatives
A
- people look at other potential partners & compare if the relationship of beneficial
5
Q
Strength
- supporting evidence
A
Rusbults experiment
- questionnaire 17 male, 17 women in heterosexual relationships
- asked questions about costs & rewards & comparison
- findings were that cost benefit didn’t apply much in the beginning
- cost benefit highly considered as relationship develops
6
Q
What are the stages in SET
A
- Sampling stage - the potential rewards and costs of all types of relationship are explored via direct personal experience or vicariously
- Bargaining stage - early on in the relationship when each partner sets out what they expect, finds out what the potential costs/rewards are and begins negotiations with their partner
- Commitment stage - costs and rewards begin to be smoothed out as the relationship is established and joint work is undertaken
- Institutionalisation stage - the partnership is properly established and the ‘terms and conditions’ around creating profit are in place
7
Q
Limitation
- subjective variables
A
- everyone’s opinions and preferences are different
- Varys between individuals what is considered a cost & a benefit
8
Q
Limitation
- lack of ecological validity
A
- comparing a relationship to economics is artificial
