Equity theory

• > The equity theory is another economic theory, however it suggests most people have the need for balance in relationships, rather then profit

  > What matters the most with equity is that both partners’ level of profit is roughly the same for each partner.

  > This is not the same as equality as the costs and rewards do not have to be the same for each partner

  > If a partner puts a lot into a relationship but also gets a lot out of it, this would be considered equitable and they would be satisfied

  > Strong correlation between perceived equity and relationship satisfaction
• Equity theory 2

  > However if there is inequity then there will be dissatisfaction

  > For example, if one partner over benefits and the other partner under benefits then dissatisfaction is likely to occur

  > Strong correlation between perceived inequity and relationship dissatisfaction

  • Over benefitted partner is likely to feel guilt, discomfort and shame
  • Under benefitted partner is likely to feel anger, hostility and humiliation

  > Both result in an inequitable relationship = dissatisfaction = less likely relationship will be maintained
• Dealing with inequity

  > The over benefitted partner is usually motivated, due to guilt, to make the relationship more equitable as long as they believe it is possible to do so and that the relationship is salvageable

  > This would involve behavioural changes for the couple

  > Inequity could be dealt with through cognitive changes from the under benefitted partner also.

  > Partners may change their perceptions of rewards and costs so the relationship feels more equitable, even if nothing actually changes
• Equity theory AO3

  :) RTS Utne

  > They carried out a questionnaire of 118 recently-married couples who had been together for more than 2 years before marrying, measuring equity.

  > They found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as over benefitting or under benefitting

  > Supporting that equity theory is an important factor to predict satisfaction in romantic relationships
• Equity theory AO3

  :( Research is correlational

  > Cause and effect cannot be established between inequity and dissatisfaction in relationships

  > For example, there could be another intervening factor impacting the dissatisfaction within the romantic relationship such as, the amount the couple communicate with each other

  > Therefore, limiting the support and internal validity of the research into the equity theory of romantic relationships
• Equity theory AO3

  :( May not apply to all cultures

  > Couples from individualistic cultures (USA) considered their relationships to be the most satisfying when the relationship was most equitable

  > Whereas couples from collectivist cultures (Jamaica) were most satisfied when they were over benefitting

  > Limiting the external validity of the equity theory as a theory of romantic relationships as it only applies to certain cultures