Equity theory

• Equity= balance in the exchange of rewards and cost is fair
• Equity theory argues that equity is essential for a relationships success
• In fulfilling relationships partners achieve equity through negotiations that ensure reward and cost are distributed fairly but not neccesarily equaly
• inequity in a relationship can result in dissatisfaction
• perceived equity can change over time
• common for people to invest more than they receive in the initial stages of the relationship. however if this goes von for too long results in dissatisfaction
• Hatfield and Rapson stated three ways in which equity could be restores
• Hatfield and Rapson- overbenefiting partner putting in more effort
• Hatfield and rapson- restoring cognitive equity- change the way they see cost and rewards to create a subjective sense of equity
• Hatfield and rapson- physical or emotional end of relationship
• utne et al supports equity theory
• utne= 118 recently married fulling self report scales to measure equity. aged 16-45.
• utne found that souple that perceived their relationships as equitable reported high satisfactory levels compared to couples who thought they were overbenefiting or underbennefiting
• Utne used self report so may make responses prone to bias reducing validity
• limitation of equity theory assumes that there is a universal need for equity. However aumer-ryan et al found cultural variations in the relationships between equity and satisfaction
• Aumer ryan et al- individualist culture- higher satisfaction was perceived as equitable
• Aumer ryan- collectivist cultures had high satisfaction when over benefiting. Theory does not apply to collectivist cultures
• Husemen et al- stated that there were benevolents- they do things and do not ask for a favour in return
• husemen et al- entitleds= believe they deserve more than they can give without feeling bad about
• Husemen et al indicates equity is not present in all romantic relationships