Equity theory:

• The role of equity

  Means fairness

  • Walster and her colleagues what matters most with equity is that both partners' level of profit is roughly the same
  • This is not the same as equality where costs and rewards have to be the same (i.e., 'equal') for each partner
  • Lack of equity, then one partner overbenefits and the other underbenefits from the relationship, and this is a recipe for dissatisfaction
  • Both are examples of inequity although it is the underbenefitted partner who is likely to feel the greatest dissatisfaction in the form of anger
  • Overbenefitted partner will likely feel guilt
• Equity and equality


  Not the amount of the rewards and costs that matters it's the ratio of the two

  • If 1 partner puts a lot into the relationship but at the same time gets a lot out of it they're likely to feel satisfied
  • IE One partner works night shifts therefore cannot cook tea
  • Equal distribution of domestic tasks would not be seen as fair by either partner equity may come from the compensations that night-shift partner could offer in other areas

  Satisfying relationships marked by negotiations to ensure equity that rewards are distributed fairly between them involves making trade-offs
• Consequences of inequity


  Problems arise when one partner puts a great deal into the relationship but gets little out of it.

  A partner who perceives inequity will become distressed and dissatisfied with the relationship if this state of affairs continues for long enough. The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction - equity theory predicts a strong correlation between the two. This applies to both the overbenefitted and underbenefitted partner to the extent that they both perceive the inequity.
• Consequences:


  Changes in perceived equity:

  • What makes us most dissatisfied is a change in the level of perceived equity as time goes on
  • For example, at the start of a relationship it may feel perfectly natural to contribute more than you receive. But if the relationship develops in such a way that you continue to put more into the relationship and get less out of it, this will not feel as satisfying as it did in the early days.
• Consequences:


  Dealing with inequity:

  • The underbenefitted partner is usually motivated to make the relationship more equitable as long as they believe it is possible to do so and that the relationship is salvageable
  • The more unfair the relationship feels the harder they will work to restore equity
  • Another possible outcome is a cognitive
  • They will revise their perceptions of rewards and costs so that the relationship feels more equitable to them even if nothing actually changes
  • What was once seen as definitely a cost earlier in the relationship (actual abuse) is now accepted as the norm