Equity Theory

• Equity theory assumes that both partners will have a fair and similar level of costs vs benefits (Rather than just focusing on being in profit). This balance may not be equal, but it should be perceived as equitable. There are 4 principles to equity theory: Profit, Distribution, Dissatisfaction and realignment.
• 4 Principles of Equity theory

  1. Profit - At the start of a relationship, we may seek to profit from a relationship by maximising benefits and minimising costs before establishing a more equitable distribution.
  2. Distribution - The distribution of costs and benefits is negotiated to ensure equity.
  3. Dissatisfaction - an inequitable relationship causes dissatisfaction. The partner who feels they are experiencing inequity may seek to realign the relationship.
  4. Realignment - May occur if the partner experiencing dissatisfaction works hard to re-establish equity through a change in behaviour.
• Strength of Equity theory

  Significant evidence for the role of equity in the maintenance of romantic relationships from Stafford and Canary who found that in a survey of 200 married couples, participants who perceived their relationship to be equitable reported being the most satisfies and used the most positive maintenance strategies. Whilst those who under benefitted reported the lowest level of satisfaction and the fewest maintenance strategies. This suggests that the fair distribution of costs in a relationship is likely to be used in the maintenance of relationships.
• Strength of Equity theory

  Culturally universal, which is when a theory argues that behaviour is the same cross all groups, regardless of culture. Aumer-Ryan found although the level of equity in relationships varies across the globe, people consider equity an important part of relationships. This means equity theory accounts for relationships across the world.
• Limitation of Equity theory

  May not be as important as other factors. Berg and McQuinn found that equity did not increase in the couples within their longitudinal study and was not correlated with whether a relationship would last. Therefore, equity theory alone may not be able to explain maintenance of relationships.