social exchange theory

Question 1

social exchange theory AO1

Answer 1

• A relationship is based on a series of exchanges between individuals.
• Each partner attempts to maximise their rewards and minimise their costs.
• Rewards (e.g. Security, love, companionship, sex)
• Costs- result in a loss or punishment (e.g. abuse, or loss of opportunities)
  If the rewards outweigh the costs, we stay in the relationship. If the costs are greater, we do not maintain the relationship.

Question 2

four stage model AO1

Answer 2

1. Sampling- The couple explores the rewards and costs in a variety of relationships
2. Bargaining- The couple “costs out” the relationship and identifies the sources of profit and loss
3. Commitment- The couple settles into a relationship, the exchange of rewards becomes relatively predictable.
4. Institutionalisation- The interactions are established, the couple have “settled down”.

Question 3

comparison level AO1

Answer 3

• We compare the costs and rewards in our current relationship with the costs and rewards we have experienced in past relationships (with our ex-partners), to friends’ relationships (social norms)
• If the current relationship compares favourably, we are motivated to stay in the relationship.

Question 4

Comparison level for Alternatives AO1

Answer 4

• We compare the costs and rewards in our current relationship to what we think we would get with another partner (an alternative) or from being on our own.
• Would we be better off WITHOUT our current partner?
• If our current relationship does not compare favourably to this alternative, we will end the relationship.

Question 5

A03- The role of Self-Esteem

Answer 5

• Self-esteem obviously becomes a MAJOR additional factor influencing the cost/benefit analysis- and is not something that the authors originally considered.
• Someone with low self-esteem will be satisfied with very little ‘profit’- and will perceive their alternative choices as unlikely to be an improvement.
• Self-esteem hugely influences both comparison levels.

Question 6

A03- Lack of consistent empirical support

Answer 6

• Clark and Mills (2011) identified two different types of couples: the ‘communal couple’ and the ‘exchange couple’.
• In the ‘communal couple’, individuals are more worried about the other’s needs and happiness above their own.
• Only in the ‘exchange couple’ is there the kind of score-keeping predicted by social exchange theory.
• The existence of the communal couple does not therefore support the theory.

Question 7

A03- Couples Counselling

Answer 7

• Again, the SUCCESS of couples counselling can be used to assess the validity of this theory.
• In addition to increasing self-disclosure, couples therapy aims to INCREASE the number of POSITIVE exchanges between partners, and decrease negative ones.
• Christensen (2004) found in a study of 60 couples that after therapy 66% reported significant improvement as a direct result of an increase in positive exchanges (mutual benefits). → need to make sure these are long term, (things learnt from therapy)

Question 8

A03- Individual Differences

Answer 8

• Individual differences in our perception of what constitutes a ‘cost’ and a ‘benefit’ hinder the application of this theory.
• For me, one huge benefit might be spending time getting to know my partner’s family. For you, that may be a huge cost.
• This means that SET cannot be applied nomothetically. (general laws that can be applied to everybody) (idiographic - focus on individual, laws specific and can only be applied to that individual)

Question 9

Equity Theory as a more valid alternative? (A03)

Answer 9

• Although many of the central assumptions of social exchange theory were supported by research, it soon became clear that for most people, profit is less important than fairness in relationships.
• The Social Exchange Model was modified in several respects, which eventually resulted in Equity Theory.