Equity Theory

• Theories of romantic relationships:

  Rusbult’s Investment Model

  Social Exchange Theory 

  Equity Theory 

  Ducks Phase Model
• Equity Theory:

  • This theory was developed in response to a criticism of SET - that balance is important in relationships. Equity = fairness.

  SET suggests that partners aim to maximise the rewards and minimise the costs in a relationship.

  In contrast, Walster et al (1978) proposed in the Equity Theory: that both partners' level of profit (rewards minus costs) should be roughly the same. Most people have a need for equity in successful relationships and that it is about perceived fairness.
• Equity vs Equality 

  Equality = means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

  Equity = Recognises each person has different circumstances & allocates the exact resources & opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
• Equity in relationships is about?

  It is the ratio of cost/reward that matters - the balance.

  BALANCE BETWEEN COSTS & REWARDS:

  Equity is about the fairness of ratios:

  It's not the size or amount of the rewards and costs that matters - it's the ratio of the two to each other.

  • For example, if one partner is disabled they may not be able to do certain chores but compensate in other areas so both partners still feel a sense of fairness.
• Sometimes relationships can be perceived as fair by the participants BUT on the outside not perceived as this sometimes:

  Under-benefitting and over-benefitting can lead to dissatisfaction:

  • The underbenefitting partner is likely to be the least satisfied and their feelings may be evident in anger & resentment.
  • The overbenefitting partner may feel less dissatisfied but is still likely to feel discomfort and shame.
• Consequences of inequity 

  • Problems arise when one partner puts a great deal into a relationship but gets little in return - a partner who is the subject of inequity will become distressed and dissatisfied with the relationship. 
  • Sense of inequity impacts negatively on relationships:
  • The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction (equity theory predicts a strong correlation between the two - does not mean causation/cause & effect).
  • This applies to both the over and under benefitted partners. inequity can lead to a distressed/dissatisfied partner.
• Consequences of Inequity - changes in perceived inequity & during a relationship

  Changes in perceived inequity:

  • Can also add stress to a relationship

  Changes in equity occur during a relationship

  At the start of a relationship it may feel perfectly natural to contribute more than you receive

  If that situation carries on as the relationship develops (one person continues to put more in and get less out), then dissatisfaction will set in.
• Dealing with inequity

  • One can attempt to restore balance. If nothing changes this lead to one partner leaving OR accepting ‘new norm' e.g. accepting abuse
  • Under benefitting partner motivated to make relationship more equitable if they believe relationship is salvageable. Greater inequity harder to restore equity.
  • Change could be cognitive rather than behavioural. Dissatisfied partner might revise their perceptions of rewards & costs so relationship feels more equitable even if nothing changes:
  • What once perceived as cost (e.g. abuse) can become accepted as norm for the relationship.
• What this section focuses on?

  • Equity Theory itself
  • Equity vs Equality definitions
  • The consequences of Inequity in relationships
  • Dealing with this inequity