equity theory

• Walster (1978) proposed equity is the most important factor in relationships, where people strive to achieve fairness in their relationships through perceived inputs and outputs
• Equity = fairness in perceived inputs and outputs
• The equity theory suggests:

  •It is not the size or amount of rewards/costs that matters, but the ratio of the two to each other

  •E.g. If one partner works longer hours they may do less chores but compensate in other areas so both partners feel a sense of fairness
• Inequity:

  The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction – strong positive correlation

  At the start of a relationship it may feel natural to contribute more than you receive, however if that carries on, dissatisfaction will set in
• If we perceived inequity in our relationship, we can try to restore it e.g.

  •Behavioural changes: Put more/less into the relationship

  •Cognitive changes: Change the amount you demand from the relationship or change perception of inputs/outputs
• Strength

  Utne (1984) conducted a survey with recently married couples and found those who thought their relationship was equitable were more satisfied that those who saw themselves as over or under benefitting.

  this increases the validity of the equity theory
• Weakness

  Research has found that equity did not distinguish between relationships which ended and those that continued – other variables (e.g. self-disclosure) where more important
• Weakness

  Research has found that couples in individualistic cultures (US) were more satisfied when in an equitable relationship, however in collectivistic cultures (Jamaica) they were more satisfied when over benefitting.
• Weakness

  It has been suggested that not all partners are concerned about equity. Benevolents are happy to contribute more than they get out of a relationship and Entitleds believe they deserve to overbenefit.