Consequences of inequity

• Sense of inequity impacts negatively on relationships
• The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction: equity theory predicts a strong positive correlation between the two- this applies to both the overbenefitted and underbenefitted partner
• Changes in equity can occur during a relationship
• At the start of a relationship, it may feel perfectly natural to contribute more than you receive
• If inequity carries on as the relationship develops and one person continues to put more into the relationship and get less out of it, then satisfaction with the relationship may fail
• Inequity has to be addressed at times
• The underbenefitted partner will work hard to make the relationship more equitable is they believe it is possible to do so and that the relationship is salvageable. The greater the inequity the more work is required to restore equity
• The change could be a cognitive rather than a behavioural once. For example, the partner might revise their perception of rewards and costs so that the relationship feels more equitable to them, even if nothing actually changes
• If the perception of rewards and costs are revised then actual abuse can become accepted as the norm for that relationship, for example reframing 'cruelty' as a form of rough treatment for your own good