Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
social exchange theory
people seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in relationships
rewards
things that have positive values ‘
-may value affection, companionship, having a relationship with someone that enhances our social status
costs
whatever has negative value for the individual
formula
relationship (O) is determined by subtracting cost (C) from rewards (R)
-O= R - C
comparison level (CL)
subjective standard for what we expect in a particular type of relationship
-based on persons past, current, and observations of other relationships
CL of Alertness
relative measure that evaluates how good a particular relationship is in comparison to real or other perceived alternatives to that relationship
-offers insight to why women stay with abusive men
equity/inequity
whether the relationship is fair to the people in it over the course of time
- inequity is related to both dissatisfaction and relational distress
- might be upset when you feel you are putting more into a relationship than your friend, but it might make you feel upset if you feel you invest less than your partner into a relationship
Critical assessment
- little heuristic value: we already knew that people like what benefits them
- not testable: there is no way to measure CL
- looks at human relationships as individualistic but human relationships have wants and desires of both partners intertwined
- not supported by research