Social exchange theory Flashcards
What is Social Exchange Theory?
Thibault and Kelley (1959) suggest an economic theory of romantic relationships where partners aim to maximise rewards and minimise costs, following the min-max principle.
What are examples of rewards in Social Exchange Theory?
Rewards can include self-esteem, entertainment, gaining financial security, friendship, and sex.
What are examples of costs in Social Exchange Theory?
Costs can include giving up time, emotional instability, stress, losing financial security, and loss of opportunities.
What are the stages of a relationship according to Thibault and Kelley?
- Sampling: Experimenting with potential costs and rewards. 2. Bargaining: Negotiating roles and expectations. 3. Commitment: Rewards and costs become predictable. 4. Institutionalisation: The norms of the relationship are established.
What is Comparison Level (CL) in Social Exchange Theory?
Comparison Level is an estimation of how rewarding a relationship should be, based on past relationships, other people’s relationships, and media portrayals.
What is Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt)?
CLalt is the assessment of whether an alternative relationship would be more rewarding. If a better alternative exists, the current relationship may end.
What did Rusbult’s study suggest about Social Exchange Theory?
Rusbult found that costs and benefits become more relevant as relationships develop, and alternatives become less attractive over time as commitment increases.
What did Sprecher (2001) find about alternatives in relationships?
Sprecher found that as the availability of alternative partners increased, commitment and satisfaction decreased, suggesting satisfaction is higher when alternatives are limited.
What is a criticism of Social Exchange Theory?
It is difficult to objectively measure rewards and costs, making comparisons between relationships unreliable. Additionally, it may justify dissatisfaction rather than cause it.
How does Social Exchange Theory ignore equity?
It does not account for fairness in relationships; people may not feel satisfied if one partner gets all the rewards while the other bears all the costs.
