Equity theory

Question 1

strength:research support

Answer 1

E – Using a questionnaire, Utne (1984) found that respondents who considered the ratio of costs and rewards in their relationship as equitable were more likely to rate their relationship as satisfying than respondents who thought they were over benefitting in their relationship (i.e., getting more out than they were putting in).

E – This finding challenges the idea, set forward in theories like social exchange theory, that partners in romantic relationships are only interested in maximising the ratio of rewards to costs. Instead, this finding supports equity theory’s contention that an equitable ratio of rewards and costs is in itself a motivation within romantic relationships
Therefore, this study provides support for equity theory’s central claim – that equity matters,

Question 2

limitation: individual differences

Answer 2

E – Huseman identified three types of people: benevolents (‘givers’ who are tolerant of under-benefitting in relationships), equity sensitives (who act according to equity theory by experiencing tension when they perceive the relationship as inequitable) and entitleds (‘takers’ who desire over-benefitting for a satisfactory relationship).

E – This typology challenges equity theory as the theory assumes that everyone feels same level of tension when they experience perceived inequality. These differences suggest that equity theory may offer a limited explanation of behaviour in romantic relationships as it is not applicable to those classed as benevolent or entitleds.