Social Exchange Theory

• What is social exchange theory?


  The idea that we will form a relationship if it is rewarding. (Rewards - costs = outcome)

  We will stay in the relationship if the outcome is profit.
• What is comparison level?


  A standard in which all relationships are compared.

  Based on memories, past experiences and our expectations. (Low self esteem = low expectations)
• What is comparison levels for alternatives?


  Weigh up potential increase in rewards from leaving current partner for alternative partner. If the rewards are greater with the alternative partner, we may seek other options.
• What are the 4 stages of relationship development?


  1. Sampling (consider potential rewards and costs)
  2. Bargaining (giving and receiving rewards to test worthwility)
  3. Commitment (increase in predictability, decrease in costs)
  4. Institutionalisation (norms developed, establishes reward and cost patterns,decrease in costs)
• SET could be reductionist


  Assumes all relationships are exchange based, reducing it to a profit concept.

  Partners do not 'keep score' as it undermines their trust.

  Claims that dissatisfaction arises only when the relationship stops being profitable.
• Research support for SET


  Kurdek (1995)

  Homosexual and heterosexul couples to complete questionnaires measuring relationship commitment.

  Partners who were the most commited also perceived the most rewards and fewest costs and veiwed alternatives as unnatractive.

  This increaes the validity of the study in homosexual and heterosexual relationships.
• Studies into SET ignore equity theory.


  As there is much research support for the role of equity, means that SET has a limited explanation which cannot account for a significant proportion of the research findings on relationships as a whole.