equity theory

• equity theory; extension of social exchange theory, meaning fairness.

  • partners should have fair amounts of benefits and costs
• equality vs equity; ratio and proportions are more important than costs and rewards

  
  

  benefits:

  • healthier, happier relationship - high satisfaction
  • wont look for alternatives
  • longer lasting relationship

  deal with inequity;

  • divorce or break up
  • relationship counselling
  • denial
• evaluation of equity:

  strengths;

  • stafford; supporting study that showed a link between equity and satisfaction within couples - high ecological validity
  • utne; real couples, high ecological validity. Found that when there was more equity, more satisfaction

  weakness;

  • utne and stafford used self-report methods, social desirability
  • Berg and Mcquinn; conflicting evidence as equity was not important as there was no difference, self-disclosure showed better satisfaction