Theories Of Romantic Relationships: Equity Theory Flashcards
Equity Theory
Equity theory is an economic theory of how relationships develop. As such, it acknowledges the
impact of rewards and costs on relationship satisfaction, but criticises social exchange theory
for ignoring the central role of equity – the perception that partners have about whether the
distribution of rewards and costs in the relationship is fair.
Equity theory therefore proposes the winning formula of fairness in relationships: one partner’s
benefits minus their costs, should equal another partner’s benefits minus their costs.
If one partner perceives a relationship as unfair, they are going to be dissatisfied with it
regardless of whether they are over-benefitting or under-benefitting. According to the Equity
Theory, a person who gets more benefits out of relationships than they put in will feel guilt and
shame, and those who think they put a lot in but get very little back will be angry and resentful.
The longer this feeling of unfairness (lack of equity) goes on, the more likely a couple is to break
up.
Equity doesn’t mean equality, though. It is not about the number of rewards and costs, but
rather about the balance between them; if a person puts a lot into a relationship and receives a
lot, it will feel fair to them.
Moreover, perception of equity changes over time. For example, it is perfectly normal for many
people to put in more than they receive at the beginning of a relationship, but if it carries on
like that for too long, it will lead to dissatisfaction.
Finally, a partner’s way of dealing with inequity also changes with time. What seemed unfair in
the beginning may become a norm as relationships progress, or the partner who gives more may
start working even harder on the relationship until the balance is restored.
Walster et al (1978) saw equity as based on four principles
1) Profit:
Individuals try to maximise rewards and positive experiences in a relationship whilst also
trying to minimize the costs. The aim is to try and make a profit
2) Distribution:
Negotiation is needed in a relationship to ensure that fairness occurs in terms of the
rewards and costs distributed e.g. negotiate chores or negotiate favours done for each
other, so that the relationship will be successful. Compensations might occur e.g. one
person does all of housework, but the other does all of the cooking and washing up, so it
might be seen as fair.
3) Dissatisfaction:
If the relationship is unfair or inequitable, it produces stress and dissatisfaction
especially for the disadvantaged person.
4) Realignment:
The disadvantaged person will try to restore equity in the relationship so it can continue
and be successful
Research examining equity theory of romantic relationships
The importance of equity in relationships is supported by research findings. Utne et al.
(1984) used self-report scales to measure equity and satisfaction in recently married couples.
The 118 participants were aged between 16 and 45, and had been together for 2 years or more
before marrying. The study found that partners who rated their relationships as more equitable
were also more satisfied with them.
Another study, conducted by Stafford and Canary (2006), also found similar trends. In their
study over 200 married couples completed questionnaires on relationship equity and
satisfaction. In addition, participants were asked questions about the ways they maintained
their relationships, such as by dividing chores, communicating positively and showing affection
for one another. They found that partners who perceived their relationships as fair and
balanced, followed by spouses who over-benefitted from the relationships, experienced the
most satisfaction. Those who under-benefitted showed lowest levels of satisfaction.
There is some supporting evidence from animal studies as well. For example, Brosnan and de
Waal (2003), in their study of capuchin monkeys, found that they if monkeys were denied their
reward (a bunch of grapes) for playing a game, they became very angry. This suggests that the
importance of equity in relationships has ancient origins.
Advantages of Equity Theory of Romantic Relationships
A strength of Equity Theory is that it is supported by research findings. For example, Stafford and Canary (2006) have discovered that partners who perceived their relationships as fair and balanced experienced most satisfaction, thus supporting Equity Theory’s suggestion that perceived fairness is necessary for happy relationships.
Disadvantages of Equity Theory of Romantic Relationships
As with many other explanations of romantic relationships, there may be a cause and effect
problem with Equity Theory. Some researchers suggest that dissatisfaction may be the cause,
not the consequence, of perceived inequity. However, Van Yperen and Buunk (1990) studied
married couples and found that dissatisfaction in inequitable relationships increased with time,
not the other way around. Furthermore, there are also some important individual differences in
perception of equity. There are people who are less sensitive to inequity and are prepared to
give more in the relationships (benevolents, according to Hussman et al., 1987). Other
people, entitleds, believe they deserve to over-benefit from relationships and don’t feel too
guilty about this.
There are important gender differences in perception of relationship fairness that Equity
Theory ignores. Researchers such as Sprecher (1992) found that women tend to be more disturbed when under-benefitting from relationships, and feel more guilt when over-benefitting, while DeMaris et al. (1998) suggest that women are more focused on relationships, and so are more sensitive to injustices. These results indicate clear gender differences between males and females and highlight the importance of conducting research into males and females separately, to avoid gender bias. However, this may then result in an alpha bias and exaggerate differences between males and females that do not actually exist.
There are also important cultural differences not accounted for by the Equity theory. Studies
such as Aumer-Ryan et al. (2006) show that the concept of equity is more important in Western cultures than non-Western cultures. They found that both men and women from non- Western (collectivist) cultures claimed to be most satisfied with their relationships when they were over-benefitting from it, not when the relationships were fair. These results highlight a culture bias in this area of research and suggest that Equity Theory does not explain the development of romantic relationships in all cultures.
What type of theory is equity theory
Economic theory
