Equity Theory

• Equity theory concerns balance and stability in a relationship
• The theory acknowledges the impact of rewards and costs on relationship satisfaction, but criticises SET for ignoring the role of equity
• The theory is the perception partners have that the distribution of rewards and costs in the relationship is fair which means an individual is satisfied with a relationship when they receive equivalent to what they put into it
• The term equity means fairness and what matters most with equity is that both partners ‘level of profit’ is roughly the same
• When there’s a lack of equity one partner over-benefits and the other under-benefits which could lead to unhappiness and dissatisfaction in the relationship
• the theory assumes that people try to achieve fairness in their relationships and feel distressed if they perceived inequity and any kind of inequity has the potential to create distress. The greater the inequity the greater the dissatisfaction the greater the distress
• Varied amounts of contribution means the relationship can still be equitable, therefore, what’s considered ‘fair’ within a relationship is a matter of the subjective opinion of each partner
• Hatfield and Rapson (2011) believed that if people perceive inequity in our relationship then we are motivated to restore it
• Hatfield and Rapson (2011) proposed three stages of equity:

  1. Restoration of actual equity: individuals can restore equity by voluntarily setting things right or by urging their partners to do so
  2. Restoration of psychological equity: distort reality and convince themselves that things are fair as they are
  3. If couples are unable to restore equity, they can leave it: this could be physically or emotionally
• Ryan et al’s (2007) research challenges equity theory and suggests that there are cultural differences in the importance of equity. It also suggests that equity theory may not explain maintenance of romantic relationships universally
• Utne et al’s (1984) research confirms a central prediction of equity theory which increases its validity as an explanation of romantic relationships
• Dainton’s (2003) research supports equity theory and suggests that equity is a main factor in relationship satisfaction and maintenance
• Schafer and Keith‘s (1980) research supports the importance of equity in a relationship, as in the ‘honeymoon’ and ‘empty nest’ stages, equity led to satisfaction. Inequity during the child-rearing years led individuals to feel dissatisfied, as predicted by the theory