Theories of romantic relationships - Social exchange

Question 1

What is the social exchange theory?

Answer 1

Individuals must feel that they are getting more out of the relationship than they are putting in, as relationships operate on partners continually giving and receiving items of value. If this stops or diminishes over time, the relationship is likely to fail as an individual will not feel they are getting much out of it. Ultimately, it means humans are inherently selfish. This theory is all about putting equal amounts in. It also emphasises the cost vs benefit analysis of relationships; costs can include a constant need to take care of someone emotionally, a lack of sex life or a partner who is inherently jealous

Question 2

What perceptions does the theory consider?

Answer 2

This deals with the perceptions of the costs/benefits. The costs/benefits may not actually exist but it is the individuals’ perception of them that is important

Question 3

What are the two comparisons an individual assesses their benefits using?

Answer 3

• The Comparison Level (CL) - The comparison on the current relationship
• The Comparison Level for Alternative Relationships - Other potential relationships are looked at. If they are judged to offer more benefits, the current relationship is likely to break up

Question 4

What are the four stages of establishing a cost-benefit system within a relationship?

Answer 4

As couples become familiar with each other, they understand how the other partner exchange costs and benefits

1. Sampling - Rewards and costs are assessed in a number of relationships.
2. Bargaining - A relationship is costed out and benefits and costs start to be identified within the relationship e.g. sex life, emotional care etc.
3. Commitment - The rewards/costs slowly become predictable as the relationship enters new stages.
4. Institutionalisation - Interactions become predictable and the couple “settles down”.

Question 5

What did Hatfield find regarding the social exchange theory?

Answer 5

Partners who underbenefited in a relationship were angry and felt deprived, whereas those who overbenefited felt guilty and uncomfortable. This suggests that an equilibrium is required for relationships to be especially effective

Question 6

What did Rusbult and Martz find to suggest a practical application?

Answer 6

Women in abusive relationships go back to those relationships because there was no better alternative/no framework for a good relationship. This suggests that women would prefer to be with an abusive partner than be by themselves and found benefits in some other form in the abusive relationship. (Good practical application)

Question 7

Is the theory nomothetic or idiographic?

Answer 7

Nomothetic

Question 8

What do all the theories of romantic relationships have in common?

Answer 8

They are all economic theories