Theories of romantic relationships- social exchange theory, equity theory Flashcards
1
Q
what is an economic theory of romantic relationships?
A
- Thibault and Kelley (1959)
- similar to how business complete costs/benefits anaylsis
- each romantic partner wants to maximise their benefits and minimise their costs when starting/ maintaining a relationship
- this is the min-max principle
2
Q
rewards and costs considered:
A
- rewards= self-esteem, financial security, entertainment, sex, friendship
- we are more attracted to these people
- costs= giving up time, emotional instability, stress, losing financial security, opportunity costs
- we are less attracted to these people
- rewards and costs are seen more or less important by different people
3
Q
what is a comparison level (CL)?
A
- estimation of how rewarding a relationship should be
- compare out current relationship to previous relationships, other peoples and norms and values
- acceptable CL changes over a lifetime and is linked to feelings of self worth
4
Q
what is comparison level with alternative (Calt)
A
- people look at other potential partners and consider if they would get a higher profit
- if higher profit can be found with an alt, the original relationship will end
5
Q
Evaluative research: Rosbult (1983) SET in relationships
A
- longitudinal questionnaire study with 17 M and 17 F in straight relationships
- relationships icluded costs/rewards, investments and Calt
- findings indicated that cost/ benefit applied less at the start of a relationship
- considered more as relationships developed
- costs/benefits were considered against alternatives who become more or less attractive over time that as satisfaction increased, so did commitment
6
Q
Evaluative research: Spreecher (2001) studied 101 dating couples
A
- found as the availability of alternative partners increases so did commitment and satisfaction decreased
- people are more satisfied when there are less alternatives
- or satisfied people wont look for alternatives
7
Q
Evaluative research: research on activity dating couples could have low validity
A
- very few couples will regularly intensively ‘rate’ their relationships as required by Rusbult
- consideration of costs/ rewards are somewhat unconscious as a process
8
Q
What is equity theory?
A
- economic theory, with all the assumptions of SET
- Hatfield (1979):
- suggested the missing factor was fairness/ equity
9
Q
What is equality in relationships?
A
- more satisfied in a relationship if they feel the balance of rewards and costs between partners is similar or theyre getting what they deserve
10
Q
Balance in relationships:
A
- both partners profits- loss= should be the same
- even for different profits and losses
- one partner may put a lot into it without getting a lot out, while the other gets much less out, but puts a lot in
11
Q
what is an over-benefit?
A
- if one partner gets more overall profit
- they will feel shame and pity towards the other, other partner may feel guilty
12
Q
what is an under- benefit?
A
if one partner gets overall costs
- they will feel resentful and become angry towards the other
13
Q
Change in perspective of costs/rewards:
A
- over time what is considered unfair may change
- early in the relationship attraction should be seen as more important than equity
- Hatfield (2011) suggests that in later stages, successful couples are less likely to ‘keep score’
14
Q
Research support on equity theory: Utne (1984) equity in marriage
A
- used self report methods of newly weds, that had been together at least 2 years
- recorded perceived level of equity, measure of stability and distress
- partners that had more equity thought the relationship was more stable and happier
- no sex difference in how equity works
15
Q
Utne (1984) equity in marriage : criticisms- correlational
A
- correlational
- rather than lack of equity= dissatisfaction
- it may be that dissatisfaction= more unequal levels of equity
