Theories of relationships Flashcards
What is social exchange theory
SET was proposed by Thibault & Kelley (1959) and is how people view the cost and benefits of a relationship their current relationship.
Set operates with a minmax principle meaning minimum losses and maximised profit.
The idea of cost, profit and losses is entirely subjective to people and will differ from person to person.
For a relationship to survive couples must negotiate terms or learn them via shared experiences
What are comparison levels
Comparison levels are used by both people within a relationship to determine how much profit they are gaining from a relationship.
A person comparison levels are based on their previous relationships, Social media, culture and self-esteem.
Their is also comparison levels of alternatives which is seeing if forming a relationship with a different person would be more profitable.
What are the four stages of relationship development
Sampling- The potential rewards and cost of all types of relationships are measured by experience or vicariously.
Bargaining- Happens early within a relationship when each partner sets out what they expect and found out what the cost/rewards of relationship are and begin negations.
Commitment Stage- Cost and rewards begin to be smoothed out as the relationship is made official and both people work together to maximise profit
Institutionalisation- The relationship is official and the terms and conditions of the relationship are in place
