Limitations

    Cards (6)

    • Not valid in all cultures?
      • Auer-Ryan et al (2007): couples in individualistic culture linked satisfaction to equity - partners in collectivistic cultures were most satisfied when they were over benefitting
      • True of both men and women - a consistent social rather than gender-biased difference
      • Assumption of the theory that equity is key to satisfying relationships in all cultures isn't supported - limited in its ability to account for all romantic relationships
    • Individual differences?
      • Huseman et al (87): some people are less sensitive to equity than others
      • Some partners are happy to contribute more than they get, (benevolent) others believe they deserve to be over benefitted and accept it without feeling distressed or guilty (entitled)                                               
      • Shows – far from being a universal characteristic, a desire for equity is subject to individual differences
    • May not apply to all relationships?
      • Clark and Mills (2011) suggest – needs to distinguish between types of relationship                                                                                       
      • Studies shows – equity does play a central role in some rel.(casual friendships) , limited support for its importance in others                                                                                                                
      • Limited support for equity theory – in terms of romantic rel, may be better at explaining other forms of rel.
    • Satisfying relationships don’t become more equitable?
      • Berg and McQuinn (86) – equity didn’t increase in their longitudinal study of couples, as equity theory would predict            
      • Theory, doesn’t distinguish between those relationships which ended and those than continued, variables – SD appeared to be more important                                                                                                       
      • Strong criticism – based on real couples studies over time
    • Timing: research indicates that equity seems to be much more of a concern in short-term relationships or in the early stages of relationships - significance declines over time
    • Age: Moghaddam (98) - equity and SET are most applicable to young, western samples with high mobility, autonomy and who are in the early stages of relationships