Theories of romantic relationships: Equity theory

what is equity theory?

• this theory states most ppl in a rs have a need for balance + fairness rather than rewards outweighing the costs as SET predicts

who proposed the equity theory?

Walster et al.

what did Walster et al say about equity theory?

• he argued that couples are happy when they feel they are both putting in + receiving equal amounts from the rs 

• if indv feels the rs is inequitable in some way, they will perceive 1 partn to be over benef + other under benef

• in this sit they are either motiv to restore the equity by changing the amount they put into/receive from the rs/will become increasingly dissatisfied 

• another possibility is that they will revise their perceptions of rew + costs so rs becomes more equitable even tho nth has changed 

• what was once seen as a definite cost (abuse, untidiness) now accepted as the norm 

more on equity theory

• acc to ET, not the size/amount of the rew + costs that matter, it is the ratio of the2 to each other

• some1 who puts a lot into the rs but also gains a lot from it will be satisfied as this is equitable

• Satisfaction in rs requires equity that rew are distributed fairly but not necessarily equally between the partners