Theories of romantic relationships: Equity theory Flashcards
What are the similarities between the social exchange theory and the equity theory?
Both are economic theories and agree on the concepts of rewards and costs
What are the differences between the social exchange theory and the equity theory?
The equity theory suggests people seek for balance rather than the most profit in a relationship
Who was the psychologist behind the equity theory?
Walster proposed the equity theory
What did Walster state about the equity theory?
What did Walter state perceived inequity caused?
Walster stated in romantic relationships both partners must benefit. Satisfaction from a relationship is about perceived fairness, therefore if one partner over benefits and the other under benefits, then it’ll lead the relationship to unhappiness.
Partners who perceived inequity become distressed/unhappy if it continues for a long time. The greater inequity perceived, the greater dissatisfaction as there is a strong correlation between the two.
At the start of the relationship, how do people handle perceived inequity?
People are more likely to tolerate perceived inequity at the start of a relationship, but as the relationship goes on and perceived inequity continues partners become dissatisfied, which leads to perceived inequity becoming a greater problem.
How does the underbenefitting partner react to perceived inequity?
What is an alternative reaction the the perceived inequity?
The underbeneffitting partner is motivated to make the relationship more balanced if it is possible.
Alternatively, partners might cognitively revise their expectations of rewards and costs to make the relationship fairer, even if there are no behavioural changes
What are the four principles of equity?
1) Profit
2) Distribution
3) Distress
4) Restoring balance
What is the explanation for the profit pricniple?
The profit principle is when the partner seeks to gain more than they have put in
What is the explanation for the distress principle?
The distress principle is when the unfairness perceived causes dissatisfaction to begin and distress to increase in line with the amount of inequity
What is the explanation for the distribution principle?
The distribution principle is when the partners negotiate to ensure the relationship remains equitable and fair
What is the explanation for the restoring balance principle?
The restoring balance principle describes when equity is detected and the partner feels motivated to restore the balance
What is a strength of the equity theory? (married couples survery)
Supportive evidence from Utne et al was collected from a survey of 118 recently married couples, ages 16 to 45. It was found that those who considered their relationship to be balanced and fair were more satisfied with their relationships. This proves that partners who perceive inequity become distressed/unhappy whereas satisfaction us present when there is balance and fairness
What is a limitation of the equity theory? (individuals differences are not considered)
Some argue that the equity theory does not consider individual differences. Huseman et al argues that some people are willing to contribute more to a relationship without the same expectation from their partner. Others enjoy over benefitting and don’t feel guilty or distressed
What is a limitation of the equity theory? (emotions cannot be measured)
Some have criticised this theory on the basis that much of what people put into relationships are emotional and emotion is difficult to measure. The claim that we balance input with gain is therefore problematic
What is a strength of the equity theory? (Dainton + romantic relationships + motivation)
Dainton fund that people who were in romantic relationships perceived as unfair were the least satisfied, but also the most motivated to improve the equity of the relationship. This supports the claim that equity is a leading factor in maintaining relationships
