Social Exchange Theory: Evaluate

Question 1

Evidence for the influence of comparison level for alternatives Sprecher (2001)

Answer 1

found that the exchange variable most highly associated with relationship commitment was partners comparison level for alternatives. The presence of alternatives was negatively correlated with both commitment and relationship satisfaction

This is because those who lack alternatives are likely to remain committed and those who are satisfied are more likely to devalue alternatives

Question 2

The problem of costs and benefits:

Answer 2

this issue lies in what constitutes a ‘cost’ and ‘benefit’ within a relationship - the terms are subjective
what’s a benefit to one person may be a cost to another eg constant attention

also a benefit at on stage may then become a cost later on

thus, it’s difficult to classify all events in such simple terms as ‘costs’ and ‘benefits’ and challenges the idea that all relationships work in this way

Question 3

The problem of assessing value:

Nakonezny and Denton (2008)

Answer 3

argue that there must be some way of quantifying the value of costs and benefits in order to assess whether benefits received outweigh the costs incurred

this is also difficult due to the relative value of ‘costs’ and ‘benefits’

the vagueness of the terms and the difficulty in assessing their value suggests that this theory doesn’t exactly explain personal relationships

Question 4

Overemphasis on costs and benefits:

Answer 4

costs and benefits ignore other factors that play some role in the process of satisfaction

he/she’s own relational beliefs may mean that they tolerate a low ratio of benefits and costs (ie believing that they chose to be in this relationship so they should put up with it)

despite bing aware of their low ratio, their relationship standard means they persist and put up with costs

thus social exchange cannot explain relationship satisfaction without considering individual differences