Social Exchange theory

• According to social exchange theory individuals perceive a relationships to be satisfactory based on the exchange of rewards gained and costs incurred by being in that relationship. Commitment to a relationship is dependent on how profitable it is to the individual. We measure profitability on 2 levels: Comparison levels and Comparison level for alternatives.
• Comparison level


  This is the level we judge a relationship against. It is based on our perceptions of other relationship we have had or seen. If a potential new relationship compares highly to our individual comparison level then we are likely to want to form that relationship. Our comparison level is a subjective measure and can be affected by factors such as self-esteem, explaining why an individual may maintain an unhealthy relationship.
• Comparison level for alternatives

  This involves a similar cost-benefit analysis to comparison level but we compare the costs vs benefits in our current relationship with those of other potential relationships. If the potential rewards of being in the new relationship outweigh the costs of the current relationship, then we are likely to end the current relationship.
• The outcome of a cost-benefit analysis is known as a payoff matrix. We will form and maintain a relationship in the event of a positive payoff matrix and will quit a relationship if it is to costly.
• 4 Stages of Social Exchange

  1. Sampling - Before forming a relationship, we experiment with the costs and benefits we receive in different relationships in our lives.
  2. Bargaining - At the start of a relationship, we begin to negotiate various costs and benefits to maximise our profit.
  3. Commitment - A relationship is maintained as we begin to predict what the exchange of our costs vs benefits will be for us.
  4. Institutionalisation - A relationship becomes lasting once our costs vs benefits are firmly established allowing couples to develop a pattern of mutually beneficial exchanges.
• Strength of Social Exchange theory

  Convincing research evidence to support it from Sprecher who measured satisfaction in 101 couples at University in the US. She found that a relationship will maintain as long as it remains satisfying, when compared to our comparison levels and when potential relationships are not perceived to be as rewarding when compared to the comparison level for alternatives. This suggests that individuals make comparisons, within and between their relationship, and these are a strong indicator of how satisfied we are in a relationship.
• Limitation of Social Exchange theory

  Treats all relationships the same. Clarke and Mills argue SET ignores the 'communal couple', who are less concerned with score keeping as it may be seen as unattractive and assume costs vs benefits balance our overall. This suggests SET may not provide a valid explanation of all relationships.
• Limitation of Social exchange theory

  Beta-biased as it inappropriately minimises differences between men and women in relationships. Prins suggests that women place more importance on equity than men in a relationship, and those who felt under-benefitted were more likely to consider an affair. Therefore, SET may be a more valid explanation of how women experience relationships than men.