Social Exchange Theory: Outline

Question 1

Profit and Loss:

Thibaut and Kelley (1959)

Answer 1

hold the assumption that all social behaviour is a series of exchanges where individuals attempt to maximise their rewards and minimise their costs

in a relationship, rewards may be: companionship, sex, love
and costs may be: effort and financial investment

commitment to a relationship is dependent on the profitability of this outcome

Question 2

Comparison Level:

Answer 2

we develop a CL = a standard against which our relationships are judged.

our CL is a product of our experiences in other relationships as well as our general views of what we expect

if our relationship exceeds CL = satisfied
if our relationship is below CL = unsatisfied

someone with a LOW CL (i.e. unpleasant relationships) = tolerates a poor relationship

someone with a HIGH CL (i.e. rewarding relationships) = has high expectations and thus exit if they don’t meet these expectations

Question 3

Comparison Level for Alternatives:

Answer 3

the person weighs up the potential increase in rewards from a different partner, minus any costs of ending the current relationship

he/she remains committed when the benefits and costs are perceived as being greater than what might be possible in an alternative relationship

if this isn’t the case, then they may leave the relationship and start a new one elsewhere

relationships are less stable when partners have a low DEPENDENCE on that relationship