A01 maintenance of romantic rels

Question 1

What are the 2 theories

Answer 1

Social exchange theory

Equity theory

Question 2

What are the 2 sections for the social exchange theory

Answer 2

Profit and loss

Comparison level

Question 3

Talk about profit and loss in set

Answer 3

Assumes that all social behaviour is a series of exchanges

Indvs attempt to maximise rewards and minimise costs

People change resources to earn a profit: when rewards exceed profits incurred.

E.g. rels (reward = care/sex cost = time wasted, effort, dynamical investment.)

Reward-costs= profit

Theory suggests the level of commitment a person make in a rel depends on the profitability of its outcome.

Question 4

Talk about comparison level

Answer 4

It is used to judge whether someone offers something better or worse than we might expect

Cl=standard in which all rels are judged

Cl= product of our previous romantic rel xp and what we generally expect from this particular exchange

F the potential profit is higher than we would judge that the current rel is worthwhile and so we’d be attracted to that person. If Cl is lower the opposite is true

So if profit level is lower it would make sense for us to leave our current rel and seek another partner

Question 5

What are the 2 sections for the equity theory

Answer 5

inequity and distress

Ratio if inputs and outputs

Question 6

Talk about inequity and distress

Answer 6

In a sense it’s an extension of the set

People want fairness in rels, if they don’t find it they would assume the rel isn’t worthwhile.

And inequity causes distress. E.g. giving a lot but nor receiving much or receive a lot but don’t give much in return.

Higher inequity causes higher dissatisfaction with rel which causes higher distress.

Question 7

Talk about the ratio if inputs and outputs

Answer 7

Equity doesn’t mean equality

Partners can still give and recieve in different amounts and their rel would still be considered equitable, it’s subjective and depends on opinions if the 2 couple.

Although one partner may put less into a rel they still may recieve less, this can be considered equitable.

So an equitable rel is
One partners benefits - their loss
Should be equal to
Their partners benefits - their loss.