Social Exchange Theory

• Social Exchange Theory


  Made up of economic terminology, rewards and costs
• Comparison level


  based on a persons idea of how much rewards they deserve to receive out of a relationship. It is a subjective understanding and depends on situational experiences for an individual
• Comparison level for alternatives


  Concerns a persons perception of whether other potential relationships would be more rewarding than their current relationship
• Sampling 


  When ppl explore potential rewards and costs of relationships, not just romantically, either by direct experience or observation of others
• Bargaining 


  Partners exchange rewards and costs, figuring out the most profitable exchanges and negotiating the dynamics of the relationship
• Commitment 


  When the relationship becomes more stable because we are now familiar with the rewards and costs of the relationship with our partner. Rewards will increase and costs will lessen
• Institutionalisation 


  When costs and rewards are firmly established