Relationships: TORR - equity theory Flashcards
Who proposed equity theory
Walster et al
Equity theory
level of profit should be roughly the same for both partners
How does inequality cause distress?
when one partner over benefits and the other under benefits
Underbenefitting
dissatisfied, anger, resentful
overbenefitting
less dissatisfied, but guilt and shame
Satisfying relationships involve what?
negotiation to achieve and maintain equity
what do negotiations involve?
Trade offs to achieve a sense of fairness
Correlation between perceived equity and dissatisfaction
the greater the perceived inequity the greater the dissatisfaction
why are changes in equity likely to occur?
start of R: natural to contribute more than you receive
satisfaction of relationship may fall if this continues
How is inequity addressed?
behavioural
cognitive
Solving inequity: behavioural
under benefitted will work to make it equitable as long as they believe it is possible and relationship salvageable
Solving inequity: cognitive
partner revise perceptions of rewards and costs so relationship feels more equitable = abuse can become accepted
A03: research support
Utne et al
those couples who valued equity more satisfied with relationship than those over/under benefitting
A03: Cultural differences
Aumer-Ryan
individualist - satisfied when relationship more equitable
Collectivist - satisfied when overbenefitting
A03: Individual differences
Huseman
some partners benevolent
some partners entitled
shows desire for equity subject to individual differences, not universal
