Social exchange theory (SET)

Question 1

Outline

Answer 1

An economic theory that uses financial principles to explain behaviour. It states that we like relationships that are most profitable, we measure profit by taking the good things (rewards) from the bad things (costs) in a relationships.

Question 2

Example

Answer 2

Rewards could be companionship, sex and emotional support. Costs could be things such as finding your partners’ friends/family boring.
People are motivated by the minimax principle, minimise costs and maximise rewards.

Question 3

1. Comparison level (how happy we are)

Answer 3

How profitable you expect your relationship to be. This is based on previous relationships and self esteem.

Question 4

2. Comparison levels for alternatives (how happy we are)

Answer 4

which is how your relationship relates to other potential relationships out there. if a potentially alternative more profitable relationship is available then you will be attracted to that one.

Question 5

1. Sampling stage (how relationships develop)

Answer 5

exploring rewards and costs in relationships

Question 6

2. Bargaining stage (how relationships develop)

Answer 6

At the start of relationships, couples exchange various rewards and costs, negotiating and identifying what is most profitable.

Question 7

3. Commitment stage (how relationships develop)

Answer 7

As the relationship progresses the source of costs and rewards become more predictable and the relationship becomes more stable as rewards increase and costs lessen.

Question 8

4. Institutionalisation stage (how relationships develop)

Answer 8

The relationship settles down and the rewards and costs are firmly established.

Question 9

Evaluation strength: Simpson et al (1990)

Answer 9

who found that individuals in relationships gave lower ratings to members of the opposite sex. This supports comparison level for alternatives as they rated people less profitable.

Question 10

Evaluation strength: Marelich et al (2008)

Answer 10

who surveyed 267 students in the US and found that women were more likely to have sex (cost) to gain approval, avoid confrontation or increase intimacy (reward).

Question 11

Evaluation weakness: Moghaddam (1998)

Answer 11

SET can only be applied to western relationships as it reflects their more selfish individuals view of only being in a relationship that are going to be most rewarding.

Question 12

Evaluation weakness: doesn’t apply to all types of relationships

Answer 12

as it fails to distinguish between communal and exchange relationships.

Question 13

Evaluation weakness: why would people stay in unprofitable relationships

Answer 13

as it would predict that they would leave but those often remain in an abusive relationship despite the costs being high and rewards being low.