Theories of Romantic relationships- Equity theory Flashcards
What is Equity theory?
-economic theory of relationships and was developed in response to
significant criticism of Social Exchange Theory.
-it to address the idea that
most people feel a need for fairness in a relationship, not just maximising rewards and minimising costs.
What does Euqity theory suggest?
that people want to ensure fairness in their relationship, where each partner experiences a balance between their costs and their rewards
According to the theory, when are people satisfied in the relationship? and give an e.g
-deserve in the relationship, that they get out what they put in. -therefore, the goal of the relationship is not for profit but for fairness.
-e.g.if one partner puts in a lot and gains a lot and the other partner puts in less but gains less then, the profitability for each partner is said to be equitable.
What is a relationship which is said to be inequitable?
inequitable is one where one partner puts in very little but
receives a lot (over-benefitting) or when a partner puts in a lot but receives very little (under-
benefitting)
what is more likely to happen in short term relationships that experience perceived inequity compared to long-term relationship relationships?
Short-term relationships that experience perceived inequity are likely to terminate however in more established relationships it is expected there will be occasional inequity.
What happens if this equity in long-term relationships last too long or increases?
However, if this inequity lasts too long or increases, individuals may be motivated to address the issue (if they feel the relationship is salvageable) and ‘realign’ the relationship.
How can this be done?
behaviourally by reducing their own input or gaining more outputs (e.g. by encouraging the other person to put more into the relationships) or cognitively by changing their perspective of inputs and outputs.
