Social Exchange theory : Equity theory Flashcards
Min-max principle suggested by Thibault and Kelley +Social exchange theory
-Thibault and Kelley suggest an economic theory to romantic relationships that both partners try to maximise profits/rewards and minimise cost/losses while starting or maintaining a romantic relationship
-This is called the min-max principle
Rewards and Cost simplified
-Both partners are looking for a mutually beneficial relationship
Example of rewards + Examples of Costs
-Rewards can be:
-Self esteem
-Friendship
-Financial security
-Sex
-Entertainment
-We are more attracted to these people
Costs can be:
-Emotional instability
-Stress
-Losing time
-Loss of financial security
-We are less attracted to these people
-SOME REWARDS OR COSTS CAN BE SEEN AS MORE OR LESS IMPORTANT BY DIFFERENT PEOPLE
Comparison Level
-Our comparison level is our estimation of how rewarding a relationship should be
-We determine this by comparing our current relationship with previous relaitonships, other relationships, and relationships we see in the media
-Our acceptable comparison level changes over a lifetime and is based on feelings of self worth
Comparison with alternatives
-People will look at potential partners and consider whether there would be a higher profit in a relationship with them
-If there would be higher profit in a relationship with an alternative then the original relationship will end
Research evaluation for cost benefit/ comparison with alternatives
-Rusbult conducted a longitudinal study involving 17 male participants and 17 female participants in heterosexual relationships
-They were asked questions about costs, benefits, investment and comparison with alternatives
-It was found that cost benefit analysis is less important at the tstart of the relationship but more important longer term
-Additionally, the overall profit in the relationship was considered against alternatives
-This suggests that individuals do consider ending their relationship based off of overall profit and comparison with alternatives
Weakness of Rusbults weakness (lacks mundane realism)
-Rusbult’s study on couples lacks internal validity as people are unlikely to intensively “rate” their partners as required by Rusbult
-Consideration of costs and rewards is more likely to be an unconscious process and therefore the study lacks mundane realism and the results may not be applicable to real life scenarios
Equity Theory
-Equity theory is also an economic theory made with the same assumptions as the SET , but suggests that the SET is missing the factor of equality or fairness
Equality in relationships + Balance
-people are more satisfied in relationships if they feel the balance between rewards and cost is similar
-The profit minus loss should be similar for both partners
-for example if one person is putting a lot in and getting a lot out of the relationship whereas the other person is putting less in and getting less out of the relationship
Over benefit
-If one partner gets more overall profit, they may have feelings of shame or guilt towards the other partner
Under benefit
-If one partner get more overall costs then they may develop a feeling of resentment for the other partner, ultimately leading to anger
Change in Perspective
-There might be a change in perspective over time on what is unfair in relationships
-Earlier in the relationship, there is less emphasis on equity and more emphasis on physical attraction, whereas in longer term relationships, equity is seen as more important for the success of relationships
Change in perspective evaluation point, However Hatfield (2011)
-However, Hatfield (2011) suggests that in later stages of relationships, successful couples are less likely to “keep score”
Research evaluation point (Utne questionaire on equity theory for couples) + However (negative as correlational research)
-Utne gave a questionnaire to couples that recorded perceived equity and relationship stability
-They found that people who felt they were being treated with more equity found the relationship to be more stable and were more satisfied
-Utne also found no sex differences between the need for equity in the relationship
-This suggests that, as predicted by the equity theory, feelings of equality in relationships are important for relationship stability
-However, due to the fact that this is correlational research, it could be that dissatisfaction within the relationship is causing a partner to perceive inequality rather than inequality causing dissatisfaction within the relationship
Negative evaluation for social exchange/equity theory (illogical relationships i.e abusive)
-Social exchange theory/equity theory suggests that people are very logical and calculated when making relationship decisions
-However, this does not provide an explanation for people who are in illogical relationships, such as abusive ones with little affection
Positive evaluation of SET/ equity theory
-As relationships enter the maintenance phase, physical attraction becomes less important, SET/ equity theory may be able to explain this more accurately
