Equity Theory

• equity theory

  We are happiest in relationships when we get back what we put in
• the equity theory is about fairness
• Utne et al (1984) 


  aimed to explore equity in recently married couples

  • 118 ppts aged 16-45
  • used self report scales to measure equity and relationship satisfaction

  findings - ppts who rated their relationship as more equitable were more satisfied
• how will people feel if they are over benefitting?

  guilty, ashamed and uncomfortable
• how will people feel if they are under benefitting?

  hostile, angry and resentful
• Stafford & Canary (2006)


  investigated role of equity on satisfaction in over 200 married couples

  ppts answered questionnaires on equity and overall satisfaction

  found that there is a positive relationship between satisfaction and equity
• Hatfield & Rapson (2011)


  suggested that fairness and equity only plays a role early in a relationship.
• Schaffer & Keith (1980)


  found that women reported feeling as though they were under benefitting during periods of child rearing and males were over benefitting
• 3 stages in a relationship when there is inequity suggested by Hatfield & Rapson

  • restoration of equity - working to restore fairness
  • restoration of psychological equity - convince yourself things are ok
  • leave the relationship
• negative evaluations of equity theory

  lack of reliability - feelings about equity change over time

  individual differences - some people may be ok with inequity

  gender differences - Sprecher found that women feel more angry when under benefitting and more guilty when over benefitting

  cultural differences - the concept of equity is more important in Western cultures