equity theory

Question 1

ao1

Answer 1

walster 1978

equity theory assumes both partners will have a similar level of costs vs benefits (rather than just focusing on being in profit)

this balance may not be equal, but is should be perceived as equitable (or fair)

4 principles:

profit - at the start of a relationship, we may seek to profit from a relationship by maximising benefits and minimising costs before establishing a more equitable distribution

distribution - the distribution ‘trade off’ of costs and benefits is negotiated to ensure equity

dissatisfaction - an inequitable (unfair) relationship causes dissatisfaction
- the partner who feels they are experiencing inequity may seek out to realign the relationship

realignment - may occur if the partner experiencing dissatisfaction works hard to re-establish equity through a change in their behaviour or their cognitions
- leads to quit the relationship or re-establish equity

Question 2

strength 1

Answer 2

significant evidence for the role of equity in the maintenance of romantic relationships

from Stafford and canary

who found that, in a survey of over 200 married couples those who were more likely to perceive their relationship as equitable were more likely to report a fair distribution of tasks

who were asked how equitable their relationships was by how they shared tasks, re-assured each other and showed positivity. those who perceived their relationship as equitable were more likely to report a fair distribution of tasks

this shows the theory may accurately explain romantic relationships

Question 3

strength 2

Answer 3

concept of equity is culturally universal

which is when a theory, model or explanation correctly argue that behaviour is the same across all groups, regardless of culture

Aumer-Ryan (2006) found that although the level of equity in relationships varies across the globe (with US couples being most, Jamaican couples being the least equitable), in all cultures studied people consider equity an important part of relationships

this provides proof for the equity theory across the globe

Question 4

limit 1

Answer 4

not all individuals are concerned about equity in the same way

this is because some people are more sensitive to equity in relationships than others

e.g. Huseman (1987) suggests three different types of partners.
- Benevolents, who are prepared to contribute more than they get out a relationship
- Entitleds, who believe they are entitled to be over-benefited
- Equity Sensitives, who experience tension when faced with inequity

therefore, equity theory may not consider individual differences within relationships

Question 5

limit 2

Answer 5

furthermore, not all relationships become equitable over time or can equity predict which relationships will last

this is because some relationships appear to be based on other factors

e.g. berg and McQuinn (1986) found that equity did not increase in couples within their longitudinal study and was not correlated with whether a relationship would last

therefore, equity theory along may not be able to explain the maintenance of relationships