theories of romantic relationships: equity theory

Question 1

who proposed the equity theory

Answer 1

walster & her colleagues (1978) = what matters most is both partners profits are roughly the same

Question 2

what is lack of equity

Answer 2

when one partner overbenefits or underbenefits

Question 3

what does inequity create

Answer 3

dissatisfaction & unhappiness

Question 4

what does the underbenefitted partner feel

Answer 4

most dissatisfaction - eg. anger, hostility, resentment

Question 5

what does the overbenefitted partner feel

Answer 5

eg. guilt, discomfort, shame

Question 6

what must a relationship be to ensure equity

Answer 6

= ratio of rewards/costs matters

• partners put effort in but get a lot out = satisfied
• negotiations to ensure equity
• rewards distributed fairly between partners

Question 7

what happens when a partner perceives inequity

Answer 7

distressed/dissatisfied (correlation)

Question 8

consequences of inequity

Answer 8

1. changes in perceived in equity
   - change in level of perceived equity as time goes on
2. dealing with inequity
   - (behavioural) underbenefitted partner motivated to make relationship more equitable (if it’s possible)
   - more unfair relationship feels, harder they’ll work to restore equity (correlation)
   - (cognitive) revise perceptions of rewards/costs so relationships feels more equitable - even if nothing changes
   - what was seen as a cost, is accepted as the norm (eg. untidiness, abuse)

Question 9

AO3: +) research support from real-world relationships that confirm equity theory is more valid explanation than social exchange theory
-) counterpoint to research support

Answer 9

E:
- utne et al. (1984) carried out survey of 118 recently-married couples
- measured equity with 2 self report scales
- participants aged 16-45 & had been together 2+ years before marrying
- researchers found couples who considered relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as over/under-benefitting

T: confirms equity is major concern of romantic couples & linked to satisfaction (central prediction of equity theory)

HOWEVER: berg & mcquinn (1986) found equity didn’t increase over time (would’ve been predicted by theory)
- also didn’t find that relationships which ended or continued differed in equity
- other variables significantly more important
= undermines validity of equity theory as equity doesn’t play the role in satisfaction that’s predicted

Question 10

AO3 -) equity theory may not apply to all cultures

Answer 10

E:
- aumer-ryan et al. (2007) found cultural differences in link between equity & satisfaction
- couples from individualistic culture (US) considered relationships more satisfying when equitable
- partners in collectivist culture (jamaica) more satisfied when they were over-benefiting
- true for men/women (no gender differences)

T: suggests theory is limited as only applies to certain cultures

Question 11

AO3 -) not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned about achieving equity (individual differences)

Answer 11

E:
- huseman et al. (1987) suggests some people less concerned about equity than the ‘norm’
- benevolents = prepared to contribute more to relationship then get out (over benefit)
- entitleds = believe they deserve to over benefit & accept without guilt or feeling distressed
- in both cases, individuals have less concern for equity than predicted by theory

T: shows desire for equity varies between individuals & isn’t universal feature of romantic relationships