Equity Theory Flashcards
Role of Equity
Maximising rewards and minimising costs are important but SET fails to take into accounts the need most people have for equity in a relationship.
There term ‘equity’ doesn’t mean ‘equality’ in this theory. It stands for
fairness.
What matters most with equity is that both partners level of ‘profit’ (rewards minus costs) are roughly the same.
Equity and equality
Inequity has the potential to cause distress. This happens when one person gives a great deal and gets little in return. However the same is true of those who receive a great deal and give little in return.
Over benefitting and Under benefitting are both examples of inequity
although it’s the under benefitting partner who is going to feel the greatest satisfaction, in the form of anger, hostility and resentment
The over benefitting person will likely feel guilt, shame and discomfort. Thus satisfaction is about perceived fairness.
Equity and equality (2)
Inequity doesn’t necessarily mean inequality. Two individuals can put in variable amounts and still maintain equity.
This is because a person holds subjective views on the relative inputs and outputs of themselves and their partner.
If we fear inequity in our relationship we may try and change our input and outputs to restore equity. We may also compare it to our CL.
It’s not the size or amount of the rewards and costs that matter – it’s the ratio of the two to each other.
Consequences of Inequity
Problems arise when one partner puts in a great and gets little from it. A partner who is a subject of inequality will become distressed and dissatisfied with the relationship if it continues in this way.
The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction: equity theory predicts a strong correlation between the two.
This applies to both the under benefitted and over benefitted partners.
Dealing with Inequity
Restoration of actual equity
Restoration of perceived equity
A03: Supporting research
Hatfield (1989) looked at people who felt over-or under-benefited.
The under-benefited felt angry and deprived, while the over-benefited felt guilty and uncomfortable.
A03: Cultural Limitations
Moghaddam (1998) suggests that such ‘economic’ theories only apply to Western relationships and even then only to certain short-term relationships among individuals with high mobility. One group of people who fit this description are students in Western societies. They are typically very mobile and experience many short-term romantic relationships. Where there is little time to develop long-term commitment, it makes sense to be concerned with give-and-take. However, long-term relationships within other less mobile
population groups, particularly in non-traditional societies, are more likely to value security than personal profit.
A03: Individual differences
Not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned about
achieving equity. Huseman (1987) suggest that some people are
less sensitive to equity than others.
Benevolents – those who are prepared to contribute more to the
relationship than they get out of it.
Entitleds - those who believe they deserve to over benefit and
accept it without feeling distressed or guilty.
