Equity Theory

• Equity Theory:

  • This is an economic theory, ie applies economic concepts & terms to explain romantic relationships.
  • Has some agreement with SET- relationships involve the giving & receiving of resources.
  • However, it emphasises the importance of equity (or fairness) in relationship satisfaction- ie not mere profit, you should get what you deserve- this is different from SET.
• The Equity Theory has a central assumption that people are most satisfied when they perceive that they are getting roughly what they deserve from any given relationship.
• According to the this theory, an equitable relationship should be one where one's partners' benefits minus their costs, equals their partners' benefits less their costs, ie proportionate.
• • If people feel over-benefited, they may experience pity, guilt & shame.
  • If people feel under-benefited, they may experience anger, sadness & resentment.
• Dealing with Inequity:

  • If people perceive inequity in their relationships, then they are motivated to restore it. Hatfield & Rapson (2011) suggest that this can be achieved in 3 different ways:
  • 1-Restoration of actual equity- one or both partners makes real adjustments to set things right.
  • 2-Restoration of psychological equity- to maintain peace & status quo, partners can convince themselves things are fair by distorting reality.
  • 3-If couples are unable to restore equity in their relationship, they can leave it- either actually or emotionally.
• Stafford & Canary 2006 Study:

  • Stafford & Canary were interested in how equity & satisfaction predicted the use of maintenance strategies, typically used in marriage- asked over 200 married couples to complete measures of equity & relationship satisfaction.
  • Each spouse was asked questions about their use of relationship maintenance strategies such as assurances (emphasising commitment to the relationship & affection), sharing tasks (household responsibilities & chores) & positivity (communicating in an upbeat & optimistic manner).
• Stafford & Canary 2006 study findings:

  • Satisfaction was highest for spouses who perceived their relationships to be equitable, followed by over-benefited partners & under-benefited partners.
  • Relationship between equity & marital happiness appeared to be complementary- spouses who were treated equitably tended to be happier & so we more likely to engage in behaviours that contributed to their spouse's sense of equity & happiness.
• Evaluation of equity theory- strength:

  • Stafford & Canary 2006 key study.
  • Supports equity theory & indicates its superiority to SET in explaining romantic relationships.
• Evaluation of equity theory- strength:

  • Schafer & Keith (1980) found research support in real relationships.
  • Assessed levels of equity in hundreds of married couples of all ages.
  • Found that a dip in marital satisfaction during child-rearing years, correlated with a period of wives feeling under-benefited & husbands feeling over-benefited.
  • Supports Equity Theory & has an application for relationship therapies & counselling.
• Evaluation of equity theory- strength:

  • Supporting evidence from the study of non-human primates.
  • Waal 2003 found that female monkeys became angry if they were denied a highly prized reward of grapes in return for playing a game.
  • The study echoes what researchers have found in human relationships & suggests that the perception of inequity has ancient origins.
  • But, this study was conducted on non-human animals (affects validity).
• Evaluation of equity theory- weakness:

  • Gender differences in the importance of equity- Demaris et al (2010) point out that men & women are not equally affected by inequity in romantic relationships.
  • For example, women are more disturbed by being under-benefited than are men.
  • Suggests that not all males & females are sensitive are to inequity in the same way.
  • However, an increased emphasis on gender equality in modern marriages may lead women to be more vigilant about relationship inequity.
• Evaluation of equity theory- weakness:

  • Equity theory is based on the 'norm of equity' which assumes that every one is equally sensitive to equity & inequity.
  • Huseman et al (1987) suggested this was not the case & developed the idea of equity & sensitivity.
  • He identified 3 categories of individuals: Benevolent (giver), equity sensitive, entitled (over-rewarded).
  • Suggests that there is no 'norm of equity'- as the equity theory suggests & there are individual differences.