theories of romantic rs- equity theory Flashcards
what is the equity theory
-another economic theory(criticises the SET)
-maximise profits and minimise costs
-BUT walster proposed equity as important where both level of profit should be roughly the same
what isnt equity the same as?
-not the same as equality as w equality costs and rewards have to be the same
fairness of the ratios
-size or amount of rewards and costs its ab the ratio of the two to eachother
e.g 1 partner puts alot in RS and gets alot back(seen as fair)
what is inequity
-lack of equity so one partner benfits and other under benefits(cause distisafaction)
e.g
underbenefitted= anger , least satisified , resentment
-overbenefitted= guilt, discomfort , shame
-satisfaction is ab perceieved fairness
scenario regarding equity and disbaility
-one partner has physical disability and precise equal distribution of chores and physical activity would not been as fair by either partner
how is equity seen in physical diabaility relationship
-comes from compensations that disbaled partner can offer in other areas or from satisfactions the more active partner gains
-satisying RS involves negotiations to ensure equity that rewards are distributed fairly (not always equally)
what are the consequences of inequity
-negative consequences
-greater perceived inequity the greater dissatisfaction
(strong correlation betweeen the 2)
what are changes in percieved equity
-changes overtime causes disatisfaction
-e.g at the start of the RS it may feel natural to give more
-but if continues it doesnt feel satsifying as early days
how people deal w inequity
-underbenefitted partner will work to make RS equitable as possible to save it
-greater inequity the more work needed to restore equity
-cognitive change e.g partner may change perception and that rewards and costs feels equitabke
-what was seen as a ‘cost’ is now a ‘norm’
strengths of this theory
(research support)
-utne et al - siurvey 118 married couples measuring equity w two self report scales
-pS aged 16-45 had been tg for more than 2 years before marrying
-newly weds considered Rs equitable when more satisifed then those who felt like they were under/over benefitting
-profit doesnt judge RS but equity does.
-equity links w satisfaction
weaknesses of theory
(counterpoint research support)
-BERG AND MCQUINN- equity didnt increase in longitudinal study
-didnt find any differences in terms of equity between those that contuned or ended RS
-self disclosure was important
-undermines validity of equity
(cultural limitaitons)
-aumer-ryan et al= couples in idnvidualist cultures (US) linked satisfaction to equity but in collectivist e.g jamaica were most satisified w over benefitting
-found in men and women
-equity wasent key in all cultures to satisfaction
-theory is limited explanation to all romantic RS
(individual differences)
-Huseman et al= some partners not as concerned ab equity
-some partners are benevolent (contribute more to RS than they get out of it)
-others are entitleds who believe they are deserving of being overbenfitted and accpet without feeling distressed or guilty
-less concern over inequity
-not a universal feature of all RS
a cause or effect theory?
-utne et al shows that lack of equity is a cause of disatisfaction
But GROTE AND CLARK= argue as soon as partner starts monitoring each others contributions its a sign of dissatifaction
-when dissatisfaction sets in partners notice inequities and become more disatisfied ‘cycle of misery’
