equity theory Flashcards
(13 cards)
Why was equity theory developed?
Criticism of SET
What is equity?
Equity = fairness
Both partners level of profit is the same
Equality = costs and rewards are the same
Satisfaction = perceived fairness
What is inequity?
One partner overbenefits the other underbenefits
Underbenefitted feels most unsatisfied - anger and resentment
Overbenefitted feels guilty
Who devised equity theory?
Walster
How is equity established?
Ratio of costs and rewards to each other, not size
Put in a lot but get a lot out
How does dissatisfaction occur?
Correlation between perceived inequity and dissatisfaction
Change in perceived inequity makes us dissatisfied
May feel natural to give a lot at the start
What is the behaviour response to inequity?
Underbenefitting partner works to achieve equity if they believe it is possible
More unfair = working harder to restore equity
What is the cognitive response to inequity?
Revise perceptions of costs and rewards to make it seem more equitable
Costs now accepted as norm
Evaluation - supporting research evidence
Utne - Survey of recently married couples
Measured equity using self report scales
Couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied
Evaluation - cultural influences
Aumer-Ryan - compared collectivist and individualist cultures
Individualists considered equity satisfying
Collectivists most satisfied when they overbenefitted
Not universal
Evaluation - individual differences
Huseman - some people are benevolents - prepared to contribute more
Entitleds - believe they deserve to overbenefit
Not universal
Evaluation - types of relationship
Clark and Mills - we should distinguish between types
Equity is important in work and casual friendships
Evidence for equity in romance is mixed
Evaluation - contradictory research evidence
Berg and McQuinn - longitudinal study, equity did not increase
Challenges central idea of theory
