Equity Theory Flashcards
What is equity theory based on?
The idea of fairness for each partner. It emphasises the need for each partner to
experience a balance between their costs/effort and their benefits/rewards
When can diff emotions e.g. (distress, anger, pity) be felt in the relationship
Distress will be felt if the relationship becomes unfair. If people over-benefit
in their relationship and receive more rewards than their partner they might
feel guilt or pity. If people under-benefit in their relationship and receive less
rewards than their partner, they might feel angry or sad
When can an imbalance of rewards be tolerated
As long as both parties accept the situation
(+) evidence to support importance of equity to women in relationships
DeMaris (2007) studied 1500 couples as part of the US National Survey of
Families and Households. He found that if women were under-benefitting to a
high degree, then there was a high risk of divorce occurring. Therefore equity
and inequity seem to be very important for women in a relationship
(+) evidence to support how equity has always been important e.g. even for other species / ancient origins (female monkeys throwing grapes study)
Brosnan (2003) found that female monkeys became angry if they were denied
a prize (grapes) for playing a game with a researcher, especially if they saw
another monkey who had not played the game receive the grapes instead. The
monkeys got so angry that they hurled food at the experimenter. It seems that
ideas of equity are rooted in our ancient origins.
(-) how is equity theory more applicable to individualistic cultures than collectivist ones?
In individualistic cultures people might be more concerned
with equal rewards and costs in order for a relationship to be successful.
However, in collectivist cultures, extended family networks and family values
might be more important when maintaining a relationship, rather than focusing
on rewards and costs and the idea of equity. Relationships in collectivist
cultures might be successful due to cultural expectations and obligations of
roles rather than equity of rewards and costs.
(-) how equity isn’t the only reason why someone might continue a relationship (take free will into account)
Buunk (1996) found no association between equity in a relationship and the
future quality and maintenance of a relationship. Therefore just because a
relationship is equal and fair in terms of rewards and costs; it does not mean
that the relationship will progress. People have free will to choose whether to
continue with a relationship or not; and just because a relationship is equitable
it does not mean the relationship will necessarily continue and last.
What research critiqued equity theory, and it’s ideas of love + monitoring relationships
- Research conducted by Mills and Clark (1982) criticised equity theory. They
said that it is not possible to assess equity in loving relationships, as many of
the rewards and costs are emotional/psychological and cannot be easily
quantified or measured. If we measure rewards and costs then it could diminish
the quality of love in the relationship which could be damaging
