Social Exchange Theory

• What is Social Exchange Theory? (SET)

  • All behaviour is a result of people trying to maximise rewards and minimise costs
  • We enter relationships with the expectation of 'earning a profit'
  • We maintain relationships if they are profitable but will not be maintained if costs outweigh the benefits
• What are Comparison Levels?

  • A standard, based on social norms and our previous relationships, by which the the current relationship is judged
  • A relationship will be maintained if the potential profit exceeds our comparison level
• What are Comparison Levels for Alternatives?

  • We compare our current relationship with to any potential alternatives - including being single
  • We weigh up the potential increase in rewards from an alternative partner (or being single) against any costs associated with ending the current relationship
  • We end the current relationship if an alternative could have a better outcome
• Limitation of SET - The 'economic' metaphor is incorrect:

  • Clark and Mills - Identified two types of relationships
  • Exchange relationships (e.g. work colleagues) - Do involve an expectation of profit
  • Communal relationships (e.g. romance) - Involve giving and receiving without keeping score
• Limitation of SET - Not a complete explanation:

  • Miller
  • Showed Ps photos of attractive people
  • The Ps in committed long term relationships spent less time looking at the picture
  • This suggests we don't weigh up costs and benefits, or consider alternatives, unless we are already dissatisfied with the relationship
  • Comparison is a symptom of unhappiness
• Limitation of SET - Culture Bias:

  • Moghaddam argues that SET only applies to relationships in individualistic cultures
  • In individualistic cultures it is about what profit YOU get whereas in collectivist cultures they value everyone involved
• Limitation of SET - Equity Theory:

  Relationships aren't just about you and the profit you can get out of a relationship they are about being fair for both partners