Theories Of Romantic Relationships: Equity Theory

Question 1

Outline- equity theory

Answer 1

Define- an economic theory of how relationships develop. It acknowledges the impact of rewards and costs on relationship satisfaction, but criticises SET for ignoring the central role of equity. The perception that partners have that the distribution of rewards and costs of that relationship is fair.

Question 2

Outline- the role of equity

Answer 2

• both partners level of profit needs to be roughly similar, otherwise one overbenefits and the other underbenefits.
• unlike SET who says your costs and rewards must be the same.

Question 3

Outline- equity and equality

Answer 3

• what matters is the ratio of rewards to costs: a high level of costs with a high level of rewards isn’t fair.
• e.g. If you’re with a disabled you may be able to offer many rewards that they cannot. However they’re able to compensate in other ways. The quite can come from these compensations.
• satisfying relationships are marked by negotiations to ensure equity, that rewards are distributed fairly (not necessarily equally) between partners.

Question 4

Outline- Consequences of inequity

Answer 4

-the person who is the subject of inequity will become distressed and dissatisfied with the relationship if it continues long enough.
-there’s a strong correlation between perceived inequity and the greater the dissatisfaction.
-what’s worst is doing more at the start (which is understandable) but also continuing to do so throughout the whole relationship.
-when it’s inequitable, the person who is being unfair will try their hardest to restore equity
OR
-they may get used to what’s happening and it feels as if it’s fair but really it’s not.

Question 5

Evlautation- Mary utne (1984)

Answer 5

Support
-survey on 118 married couples, measuring equity levels.
- aged between 16-45 years and had been together at least 2 years prior
Found- couples who considered it to be equitable were more satisfied than those who thought they were over or under benefitting.

Question 6

Evaluation- Aumar-Ryan et al

Answer 6

Limitation- cultural differences
- found there’s a link between culture and how equitable a relationship is
Individualist culture (priorities the individuals needs)- most satisfactory when equitable
Collectivist culture (care about the wider group first)- most satisfied when over benefitting.
So- equity theory is limited to only some cultures.