A03 - Equity Theory

• Evaluation of the Equity Theory (Theories of Romantic Relationships)?

  + Research in support

  - Cultural influences

  - Individual Differences

  - Equity - cause or effect?

  -Research against equity theory
• Cultural Influences - PART 1


  P = Equity theory assumes that the indeed for equity is a universal feature of romantic relationships across all cultures.

  E = Aumer-Ryan et al (2007) compared couples in a collectivist vs individualist culture.

  E = They found that couples from an individualist culture considered their relationships to be satisfying when the relationship was equitable, whereas partners in the collectivist culture were most satisfied when over-benefitting (true of men & women, so not explained by gender differences) (Jamaica).
• Cultural Influence - PART 2


  L = This suggests that the notion that equity is a universal need is unwarranted. The theory is limited because it cannot account for this cultural difference. This suggests that the theory is limited because it only applies to some cultures.
• Supporting Research - PART 1


  P = Supporting evidence includes studies of real-life relationships. That confirms equity theory as a more valid explanation than SET.

  E = Utne (1984) surveyed 118 recently married couples, measuring equity, using 2 self-report scales. The husbands and wives were aged between 16 and 45 years and had been together for more than 2 years before marrying.

  E = The researchers found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as over benefitting or underbenefitting.
• Supporting Research - PART 2


  L = The research confirms the central assumption of equity theory, suggesting the theory has high internal validity. This study supports the central predictions of equity theory that equity is a major concern of couples and is linked with satisfaction.

  COUNTERPOINT:

  Berg & McQuinn (1986) found equity did not distinguish between relationships which ended and those that continued - other variables (e.g. self-disclosure) were more important.

  This means the validity of the theory is in doubt because the predictions of the theory are not supported by research.
• Individual Differences - PART 1

  P = Not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned about achievement equity.

  E = Huseman et al (1987) suggest some people are less sensitive to equity than others (not all partners are concerned about equity). 

  E = They describe some partners as benevolent who are prepared/happy to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it (underbenefit). Others are entitled who believe they deserve to be over benefited and accept it without feeling distressed or guilty.
• Individual Differences - PART 2

  L = This shows equity is not necessarily a universal/global feature of all romantic relationships, that desire for equity varies from one individual to another & contrary to the claims of the theory is certainly not a universal law of social interaction. Weakening the Equity Theory by reducing its reliability.
• Research Against Equity Theory?

  P = Some research studies fail to support predictions made by equity theory.

  E = For instance the theory claims that satisfying romantic relationships should be more equitable over time.

  E = Daniel Berg and Kristen McQuinn (1986) found equity did not increase in their longitudinal study of dating couples. Equity theory also did not distinguish between those relationships which ended & those which continued.

  L = Other variables being significantly more important, one of these is self disclosure.
• Equity - cause or effect?

  • Some research shows inequity may cause dissatisfaction (e.g. Utne et al., above).
  • Other research shows dissatisfaction causes inequity. Dissatisfaction leads to noticing inequities, then more dissatisfaction - ‘cycle of misery’ (Grote & Clark 2001).
  • Thus inequity may be a cause and effect of dissatisfaction - equity theory is just a partial explanation of this process.
• Evaluation of the Equity Theory (Theories of Romantic Relationships)?

  + Research in support

  -Cultural influences

  -Individual Differences

  -Equity - cause or effect?

  -Research against equity theory