Equity theory

Question 1

What is the equity theory

Answer 1

Equity theory is an economic model of relationships based on the idea of fairness for each partner. It emphasises the need for each partner to experience a balance between their costs and their benefits

Question 2

Equity theory AO1

Answer 2

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.

An imbalance of rewards can be tolerated as long as both parties accept the situation; then the relationship will continue.

Equity does not always mean equality. Equity also means “fairness,” and each person in the relationship must feel that the relationship has a fair ratio of rewards and costs for each individual.

Question 3

Equity theory eval (+)

Answer 3

Support from DeMaris (2007) – Real-World Evidence:
In a large-scale study of 1,500 couples, DeMaris found that women who felt they were under-benefitting were significantly more likely to divorce. This suggests perceived equity is especially important for women, supporting the theory’s claim that perceived fairness is a key factor in relationship satisfaction and stability.

Evolutionary Support – Brosnan et al. (2003):
Female monkeys reacted angrily and threw food when they were unfairly denied a reward (grapes) they had worked for, especially when other monkeys received unearned rewards. This suggests that sensitivity to fairness and equity may have evolutionary roots, giving the theory biological validity.

Question 4

Equity theory eval (-)

Answer 4

Cultural Bias – More Relevant in Individualistic Cultures:
The theory assumes that equity and balance are universally important, but research shows it applies more to individualistic cultures, where personal satisfaction and fairness matter more. In collectivist cultures, relationships may be maintained out of duty, family values, or cultural expectations rather than equity of costs and rewards. This limits the theory’s cross-cultural validity.

Limited Predictive Power – Buunk (1996):
Buunk found no link between equity and the future quality or duration of relationships. This suggests that even when relationships are equitable, they don’t necessarily last—other factors like personal choice, compatibility, or external pressures might be more influential.

Difficulty Measuring Equity – Mills & Clark (1982):
They argued that it’s not possible to objectively measure equity in romantic relationships because many rewards and costs are emotional or psychological, and not easily quantified. Trying to measure love in such transactional terms might oversimplify or damage the true nature of intimate relationships.