Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory Flashcards
A01
What is Equity theory
Is an economic theory of romantic relationships -developed out of criticis for SET
SET assumptions of minimising loses & maximising rewards important but fails to take into account need for equity in relationships
A01-1
The role of equity-walster et al
Equity-fairness
Walster et al-what matters most with equity is that both partners profit ( rewards minus costs) is roughly the same
when there is lack of equity, then one partner overbenefits in relationship & other underbenefits from the relationship-leads to dissatisfaction & unhappiness
Underbenefittef partner feels greatest dissatisfaction in form of anger, hostility, humilation
overbenefitted partner feels shame, guilt
satisfaction is percieved fairness
A01-2
Importance of Ratio
Equity theory states that it is the ratio rather than size or amount of rewards/costs that is important
If one partner puts a lot of time into relationship but benefits a lot out of it- fair & partners likely to be satisfied
* Satisfied relationships are marked by negotiation to ensure equity, that rewards are distributed fairly between partners-involves making trade offs
A01
Consequences of inequity
Problems arise if one partner puts great deal of effort into relationship but gets little from it
partners subject of inequity become distressed & dissatisfied with the relationship
the greater the percieved inequity the greater the dissatisfaction: equity theory predicts a strong correlation between 2
this applies to both overbeneffited & underbeneffited partners
dealing with inequity:
the partners will work hard to make relationship more equitable as long as beleive it is possible to do
the more the unfair the relationship feels, the harder they will work to restore equity
another outcome:( cognitive)
partners will revise their perception of rewards & costs so the relationship feels more equitable to them, thus what was once considered cost (e.g untidy) is now accepted norm
A03
Equity theory is not univeral concept- lacks reliability-Aumer-Ryan et al & cultrue bound
Limitation
Aumer-Ryan et al found that individualistic cultures prefer an equitable relationships whereas collectivist cultures expressed a preference for overbenefiiting in a relationship
* Equity theory claims equity is universal & makes assumption about what ppl value/ prioritise in relationships when in fact each individual is unique - lacks reliability & cant account for cultural differences
Individualistic cultures-prioritises individuals needs
Collectivist cultures-needs of wider group come first
A03
Real life application-Utne et al ( married couples)
ecological validity
Strength
Utne et al - survey of 118 married couples showed that percieved equity was a predictor of relationship satisfaction & preferred this balance Therefore, this suggests that equity has greater ecological validity
than SET because it can explain the quality & satisfaction associated with real-life couples, as
opposed to simply being theoretical.
A03
Individual differences-Huseman-not all concerned with equity
benevolents
entitleds
Limitation
Not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned with achieving equity
Huseman et al suggests that some ppl are less sensitve to equity than others. They describe some partners as benevolents, who are prepared to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it.
Others are entitleds who believe they deserve to be overbenefitted & accept it without feeling guility
shows equity is not a global feature of all romantic relationships & not universal law of social interactions
A03
issues & debates
Could be argued equity theory is reductionist to some exntent as it attempts to explain the complex & unpredictable behaviours involved in relationship negotiation as a simple balancing act.
