Social exchange theory Flashcards
(15 cards)
Who proposed SLT?
Thibault and Kelley
What type of theory is SLT?
An economic theory
What does SLT suggest predicts satisfaction?
Maximised rewards + minimised costs = profit = relationship satisfaction
Why are rewards subjective?
For example, rewards such as companionship, sex, praise from your partner may be considered rewarding for some but not for others
What may change as the relationship develops?
What is considered rewarding or costly in the early relationship may change as the relationship develops
What are the two types of comparisons?
Comparison levels and comparison levels of alternatives
What do comparison levels develop from?
They develop from our past relationships and we use this to compare with our current relationship rewards
What do our past relationships feed into?
They feed into our expectations of our current relationship and is also influenced by social norms
Why do comparison levels change overtime?
Because we gain more experiences
What type of relationship is maintained?
A relationship where the rewards exceed the costs and is mutually beneficial
What do we compare our current relationship to with comparisons with alternatives?
We compare our rewards and costs in our current relationship compared to potential ones
What is an example of comparison levels with alternatives?
My girlfriend is lovely but this new girl lives closer and I will save petrol money
What does SET predicts?
We will stay in our relationship as long as we believe it is more rewarding than alternatives
When is relationship satisfaction maintained?
If rewards exceed the costs and the profit level is not exceeded by possible alternative relationship
What type of relationship will succeed?
One that is mutually beneficial
