Equity Theory

• What type of theory is Equity theory?


  Economic Exchange theory
• What does equity theory say makes a relationship better?


  Perceived balance of rewards and costs between both partners, no one over or under benefits
• What is felt when a partner over benefits?


  Shame is felt
• What happens when a partner under benefits?


  Resentment grows
• How can perceived equity change over time?


  At the start of the relationship, the partner may be prepared to under benefit, but as the relationship develops, this would mean happiness lessens
• What can decreased happiness lead to according to Equity theory?


  May result in negotiations to bring more equity, a partner may reassess their expectations, or may choose to end the relationship if perceived inequity still exists
• What did Utne find about relationships with perceived equity?


  Utne found that married couples were more satisfied if they had perceived equity within their relationship (+ this support is from long term couples which gives the theory validity)
• What were the three types of people Huseman proposed and how did it criticise Equity theory? 


  There are individual differences- Huseman proposed that 'benevolents' (want to give more) and 'Entitleds' (want to gain more) wouldn't be explained by Equity theory- only 'equitables' (want fairness) would
• What did Lott propose about Equity Theory being culturally relative?


  Lott found women in collectivist cultures expect to under benefit- perhaps Equity theory is culturally relative to individualist cultures
• What type of relationship did Clark and Mills say Equity theory explains?


  Clark and Mills said it explains exchange (business) relationships but not communal (romantic), where other factors (e.g. investment) may play a part