Theories of romantic relationships; equity theory Flashcards
why was equity theory developed
walster created the theory in response to criticism of SET, due to failing to take into account the need most ppl have for balance rather than prof. in relationship
what does equity mean
= fairness, that both partners’ level of profit is roughly the same
lack of equity = one partner overbenefits, one partner underbenefits = leads to dissatisfaction/unhappiness
what does equity theory state
- it’s not about size/amount of rewards/costs that matters, its the ratio of the 2 to each other
- satisfying relationships are marked by negotiations to ensure equity, rewards should be distributed fairly between partners, involves making trade offs
feelings experienced in inequity
underbenefitter = anger, hostility, resentment, humiliation
overbenefitter = guilt, discomfort, shame
consequences of inequity
strong correl. between greater perceived inequity and greater dissatisfaction
what makes us more dissatisfied in relationships
changes in perceived equity as time goes on
how do partners deal with inequity
strong correl. between how unfair relationship feels and the harder they work to restore equity
- revise perceptions of rewards and costs so relationship feels more equitable to them (even if nothing acc changes), e.g., costs now accepted as norm
strength of the equity theory
research support
utne et al = surveyed 118 recently-married couples for equity , ages between 16-45, together for more than 2 years prior to marriage
= those who considered relationships to be equitable, were more satisified, than those who considered to be inequitable
- confirms equity is major concern of romantic couples, linked with satisfaction
= central prediction of theory
weakness of equity theory
cultural limitations
- theory not necessarily applicable to all cultures
aumer-ryan et al = found cultural differences in link between equity and satisfaction
- individualist = more satisfied when equitable
- collectivist = more satisified when overbenefitting
= applicable to both genders so cannot be put down to gender differences
= suggest equity theory is limited in applicability as culturally biased
further limitation of equity theory
individual differences
- not all partners concerned with achieving equity
huseman et al = benevolents (prepared to underbenefit), entitleds (believe they deserve to overbenefit)
- both cases have less concern for equity than predicted by theory
= suggests equity is not a universal feature of romantic relationships
