ToRR: Equity theory

Question 1

What type of theory is the equity theory and why did it develop?

Answer 1

• another economic theory
• developed in response to significant criticism of the SET

Question 2

Who came up with the equity theory?

Answer 2

Walster et al (1978)

Question 3

What does the SET fail to account?

Answer 3

• the need most people have for balance rather than profit

Question 4

What does Walster et al argue matters most with equity?

Answer 4

• fairness
• that both partners level of profit (rewards minus cost) is roughly the same
• nobody is over benefiting or under benefiting or this leads to dissatisfaction & unhappiness

Question 5

What does the equity theory argues matters about rewards and cost in relationship?

Answer 5

• the ratio of the two to each other
• e.g. if one partner puts a lot into relationship but at the same time gets a lot out of it> likely to be satisfied (someone might contribute money, someone else good company)
• satisfying relationships are marked by negotiations

Question 6

What are the consequences of inequity?

Answer 6

• partner who perceives inequity will become distressed & dissatisfied
• greater the perceived inequity= greater the dissatisfaction (theory predicts strong correlation)

Question 7

What makes a partner the most dissatisfied?

Answer 7

• change in the level of perceived equity

Question 8

How do romantic partners (under benefited partner) react to equity? behavioural

Answer 8

• behavioural outcome-
  >under benefitted partner is motivated to make the relationship more equitable
• the more unfair relationship feels = harder they work to restore equity

Question 9

What research support is there for the equity theory?

Answer 9

• evidence from studies of real-world relationships that confirm equity theory = more valid explanation
• Utne at al carried out a survey of 118 recently married couples to measure equity
• p’s were age 16-45 & had been together more than 2 years before marrying
• found that couples who considered their relationship equitable = more satisfied than those who saw themselves as inequitable
• confirms equity is linked to satisfaction

Question 10

What is a limitation of the equity theory? (cultural)

Answer 10

• does not apply to all cultures
• Aumer- Ryan et al found that there are cultural differences in the link between equity & satisfaction
• Couples from individualistic cultures (US) considered relationship to be most satisfying when it was equitable
• partners in collectivist cultures (Jamaica) were most satisfied when they were over benefitting
• theory = limited

Question 11

What is another limitation of equity theory? differences

Answer 11

• not all romantic partners are concerned about equity
• Huseman et al suggests that there are two types of partners; benevolents (prepared to contribute more to relationship and under benefit)
  Entitleds (believe they deserve to over benefit & accept it without feeling distressed or guilty
• desire for equity varies from individual > not universal

Question 12

What research shows opposing evidence to equity being the cause of dissatisifaction?

Answer 12

• Grote & Clark argue that as soon as partners start monitoring each others contributions (cause), this is a sign of dissatisfaction
• once dissatisfaction sets in you notice the lack of equity (effect)

Question 13

How do romantic partners ( under benefited partner) react to inequity?
Cognitive

Answer 13

• cognitive outcome
  > partner revises perceptions of rewards & costs so relationships feels more equitable to them even if nothing changes
• what was once seen as a cost is accepted as a norm