theories of romantic relationships: equity theory

Question 1

what does the equity theory propose

Answer 1

• an exchange thoery that extends the ideas of SET
• says idea of equit is missing from SET
• walster suggessts that what matters msot is that both partners level of profit is roughly the same
• any relationship that is inequitable is percieved as more satisfying and therefore morelikely to be maintained

Question 2

what are the two courses of inequity

Answer 2

1. one partner is under benefitted - this individual has a lower level of proft in comparison to their partner, causes dissatisfaction in terms of hostility, humiliation
2. one partner is over benefitted - this individual has a higher level of profit than their partner, causes dissatsifaction (thought a lesser extent)

Question 3

what does changes in the cost and reward benefit cause

Answer 3

• changes overtime can result in a perception of inequit as well
• theory predicts a strong postive correlation between inequity and dissatisfaction

Question 4

what are the 3 ways equity can be restored

Answer 4

1. restoration of actual equity - voluntarily set things right, realign the profit margin (maintains relationship)
2. restoration of psychological equity - distorts reality and convince yourself things are fair. accept profit (maintain relationship)
3. unable to restore: phsyical or emotional separation - divorce if you no longer have feelings for the partner. dissolve the relationship