Theories of Romantic Relationships- Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
Who proposed the social exchange theory?
Thibault and Kelly
What does the social exchange theory suggest?
- Relationships involve the exchange of resources
- Relationships are based on the benefits/rewards that someone perceives they will gain from the relationship
- In a relationship, individuals attempt to maximise their rewards and minimise the costs
What are the two ways that the theory states we use to measure the profit in a romantic relationship?
- Comparison level
- Comparison level for alternatives
What is meant by comparison level?
- Comparison of the current relationship
- Often involves using past relationships as a guide as well as the early stages of the relationship
What is meant by comparison level for alternatives?
Other potential relationships are looked at and compared to the current relationship
What are the 4 stages of the social exchange theory?
- Sampling stage
- Bargaining stage
- Commitment stage
- Institutionalisation stage
What is the sampling stage and when is it?
- 1st
- Rewards and costs are assessed in a number of relationships
What is the bargaining stage and when is it?
- 2nd
- Relationship is ‘costed out’ and the benefits and costs start to be identified within the relationship
- E.g. sex life + emotional care
What is the commitment stage and when is it?
- 3rd
- Rewards/costs slowly become predictable as the relationship enters new stages
What is the institutionalisation stage and when is it?
- 4th
- Interactions become predictable and couples settle down
If the point is:
A strength of the social exchange theory is that there is evidence to support aspects of social exchange in romantic relationships.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Hatfield found that partners who under benefitted in a relationship were angry and felt deprived, whereas those who over benefitted felt guilty and uncomfortable.
Link- This suggests that an equilibrium is required for relationships to be especially effective.
If the point is:
A strength of the social exchange theory is that there are great practical applications for society as a result of the theory.
What is the evidence, explanation and link?
Evidence- For example, using this theory can help to develop couples therapy to focus on the perceived or actual costs and rewards.
Explanation- Therefore, it can help couples within their relationship, as it can help them to talk through any difficulties they may be facing, such as financial, physical, emotional ones.
Link- This implies that the theory has positively benefited society, leading to successful treatments for struggling couples.
If the point is:
A weakness of the social exchange theory is that the costs in a relationship may not be as important at all stages of a relationship.
What is the explanation, evidence and link?
Explanation- It has been suggested by Rusbult that costs are not really considered during the stage where a relationship is forming, only much later when the relationship becomes more important and when it is beginning to break down.
Evidence- For instance, we have little concern over paying for meals at the start of a relationship.
Link- Hence, social exchange theory may be best suited to explaining the maintenance of relationships and their breakdown rather than the formation.
If the point is:
A weakness of the social exchange theory is that there are individual differences that need to be taken into account, as not all relationships follow what the theory predicts.
What is the explanation, evidence and link?
Explanation- Some people stay in relationships when the costs outweigh the benefits, such as in cases of domestic violence and abuse.
Evidence- For example, many people are not bothered with profit, so will choose to stay in the relationship.
Link- This suggests that the theory may lack explanatory powers for applying to all situations.
What are the evaluation points for social exchange theory?
+ Evidence to support aspects of social exchange in romantic relationships
+ Great practical applications for society as a result of this theory
— The costs in a relationship may not be as important at all stages of a relationship
— There are individual differences that need to be taken into account, as not all relationships follow what the theory predicts
