Relationships-Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
Who created Social Exchange Theory?
Thibaut and Kelley (1959)
What is social exchange theory?
When relationships are viewed similar to business; behaviour series of exchanges- individuals want to maximise ‘profits’ (rewards) and minimise ‘losses’ (costs) associated with relationships
What may rewards include?
Emotional support, sex, care etc.
What may costs include?
Missed opportunities, financial investments, having to compromise
How will a relationship be successful according to this theory?
Both parties are expected to give and take in equal proportions and rewards must outweigh costs of relationship
What does SET claim people use?
Comparison level (CL)
What is CL?
People actively use CL to compare profits from current relationship with those experienced in previous relationships
According to CL what happens if somebody has had poor relationships in the past?
They expect any new relationship to be equally as bad
According to CL what happens if somebody has had too ‘good’ relationships in the past?
They expect too much from their relationships and too much profit instead of costs
What is the comparison level of alternatives (CLA)?
If alternative looks more favorable relationship will cease to exist
What are the 4 stages of profit and loss- 4 stages all relationships go through?
Sampling-Costs and rewards of associating with others are explored
Bargaining- A process of negotiation in which rewards and costs are agreed
Commitment-Exchange of rewards and acceptance of costs stabilised
Institutionalisation-Norms and expectations firmly established
What is a study supporting SET?
Kurdek and Schmitt
What did Kurdek and Schmitt investigate?
Importance of social exchange factors in determining relationship quality in heterosexual, co-habiting heterosexual, male same-sex and female same-sex couples
What were the findings from the Kurdek and Schmitt study?
Greater relationship satisfaction was associated with: perception of many benefits of current relationship (CL)
What are the negatives of this theory?
- Individual differences
- Cultural bias
- Costs + benefits subjective
