Equity theory

• What is the equity theory?


  developed as a criticism of SET which fails to account the need people have for equity.

  Equity means fair everyone gets what they need
• role of equity


  profit has to be same (fair). when lack of equity one partner over benefits one under benefits > unhappiness.

  satisfaction based on perceived fairness
• equity and equality

  ratio of both to each other, if partner puts alot into relationship but gets alot out thats fair.

  satisfaction comes from negotiating equity involving trade offs (1 spends hour cooking other spends ten mins cleaning)
• consequence of equity


  problems when one puts alot in and gets little out (inequity). become dissatisfied if prolonged. greater inequity greater dissatisfaction.

  changes in perceived inequity leads to dissatisfaction over more time.
• dealing with inequity


  -work harder to make relationship more equitable

  -more unfair relationship means harder under benefit partner works to restore equity

  -or revise idea of profits so it FEELS more fair even if no change
• Strength of equity theory 


  Supporting evidence that equity more valid than SET > Utne survey 118 married coupled (2 year+ dating prior) > found couples in equitable relationship more satisfied with those not.

  However self report social desirability bias
• weakness of equity theory: not everyone cares about equity


  some people more prepared to contribute more than they get and vice versa.

  equity not global explanation
• weakness of equity theory: more a feature of casual relationships


  clark + mills tried to make sense of evidence that equity is important.

  research supports equity as important in casual relationships but less so in romantic.

  limited explanation.