Social Exchange Theory Flashcards

1
Q

social exchange theory

A

people seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in relationships

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2
Q

rewards

A

things that have positive values ‘

-may value affection, companionship, having a relationship with someone that enhances our social status

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3
Q

costs

A

whatever has negative value for the individual

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4
Q

formula

A

relationship (O) is determined by subtracting cost (C) from rewards (R)
-O= R - C

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5
Q

comparison level (CL)

A

subjective standard for what we expect in a particular type of relationship
-based on persons past, current, and observations of other relationships

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6
Q

CL of Alertness

A

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

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7
Q

equity/inequity

A

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
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8
Q

Critical assessment

A
  • 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
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