theory of relationship - equity theory

• ao1


  another economic theory including ideas about balance rather than profit

  equity is fairness, walster - both partners level of profit are roughly same , not equality where rewards and costs are same

  lack of equity where one over or under benefitting causes dissatisfaction, under is most dissatisfaction eg shame and anger

  satisfaction is about perceived fairness

  ratio not size eg if one outs a lot in but gets a lot back then fair eg night shift
• ao1


  consequence of inequity, strong correlation beteeeen perceived inequity and dissatisfaction

  • change in level if perceived equity over time makes us more dissatisfied eg at start natural to contribute more than you receive, but if time passes and no change then dissatisfied
  • dealing with inequity, under ben motivated to make more equitable as long as believe possible and relationship salvageable, more unfair thr harder to revive equity
  • cognitive outcome, revise perception of profit so relationship seems more equitable
• strength 


  research support

  Utne survey. 118 recent married couples, at least 2 years, measured equity on self report scales, those considered equitable most satisfied
• limitation 


  culture bound

  Ryan - individualistic US considered most satisfying when equitable but collective Jamaica most satisfied when overbenefitting

  both men and women
• counter limitation 


  equity may not be feature of satisfaction

  McQuinn, equity didn’t increase overtime as predicted

  relationships which ended or continued didn’t differ in terms of equity

  other variables eg SD more important
• limitation 


  individual differences

  not all partners concerned about equity

  Huseman, some are benevolent prepared to contribute more and some sre entitleds