Equity Theory

• Equity theory was developed in response to criticism of social exchange theory.

  Reinforces the importance of balance in relationships.

  Equity= fairness
• Walster (1978) both partners' levels of profit are the same (roughly).

  It is about perceived fairness and having equity.
• Equity: the ratio of cost/reward that matters.
• Equity: recognises that every person has different circumstances and allocates resources and opportunities needed for the same outcome.
• Equality: every individual or group of people are given the same resources or opportunities.
• Consequences of Inequity

  Problems can occur if one partner is putting more into the relationship and getting little back.

  A partner experiencing inequity will become dissatisfied.

  Greater the inequity = greater dissatisfaction
• Changes in perceived equity

  • Can lead to distressed/dissatisfied partner
  • Greater the inequity = greater dissatisfaction
  • Can lead to stress in the relationship
• Dealing with Inequity

  • Can lead to attempting to restore balance
  • If nothing changes, one partner may leave
  • A partner may then accept the new 'norm' e.g. accepting abuse.
• AO3 Equity Theory

  P: there is research support including RL studies of relationships - confirming equity theory to be more valid than SET

  E: Utne (1984) surveyed 118 recently married couples, measuring equity with 2 self-report scales. The couples had been together for 2 years before being married.

  E: Researchers found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who were over or under-benefiting.

  L: This research confirms the central assumptions of equity theory, suggesting the theory has high internal validity.

   
• AO3 Equity Theory

  P: The theory assumes there is a universal need for equity in relationships across all cultures.

  E: Aumer-Ryan et al (2007) compared couples in a collectivist culture with those in an individualist culture.

  E: They found that couples from an (Ind) culture were most satisfied when there was equity, but those (Coll) culture were most satisfied when they were over-benefiting.

  L: Therefore, the idea of equity being universal is unjustified. It is also a limited theory as it cannot account for cultural differences.
• AO3 Equity Theory

  P: Not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned about having equity.

  E: Husman et al (1987) suggests that some people care less about equity than others. Some partners  are prepared to contribute more than what they get back.

  E: Other partners are entitled, and believe they deserve to be over-benefited and accept this without feeling guilt.

  L: This shows that equity is not a key feature of all relationships or a universal law of social interaction.