Equity Theory

• What is Equity Theory?

  • We have the expectation that relationships should be fair
  • Both partners should get what they deserve from the relationship
  • If you are putting a lot into a relationship you should get a lot back but if you are not putting much in a small profit is acceptable
• What is Equity?

  Both partners make a deserved amount of profit, so one partner could gain a lot more than the other but this would be equitable as long as they put in more than the other does
• What is underbenefited?

  A partner who is giving more than they are taking
• What is overbenefitted?

  A partner who is taking more than they are giving
• What are the consequences of Inequity?

  • The more inequity the greater the relationship dissatisfaction
  • This applies to both underbenefitted and overbenefitted partners
• How do you deal with inequity?

  • Behavioural Change - Put more / less into the relationship
  • Cognitive Change - Change their perception of rewards and costs
• 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