Equity theory

Equity

It stands for fairness.

What matters most with equity is that both partners level of ‘profit’ (rewards minus costs) are roughly the same.

Inequity

Inequity has the potential to cause distress. This happens when one person gives a great deal and gets little in return. However the same is true of those who receive a great deal and give little in return.

Over benefitting and Under benefitting are both examples of inequity although it’s the under benefitting partner who is going to feel the greatest satisfaction, in the form of anger, hostility and resentment

Inequity vs inequality

Inequity doesn’t necessarily mean inequality. Two individuals can put in variable amounts and still maintain equity.

This is because a person holds subjective views on the relative inputs and outputs of themselves and their partner.

The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction: equity theory predicts a strong correlation between the two.

If one partner puts in more and gets little or the other way round, this creates satisfaction

Dealing with inequity

Restoration of actual equity

Restoration of perceived equity

Resets support- Hatfield

Hatfield (1989) looked at people who felt over-or under-benefited. The under-benefited felt angry and deprived, while the over-benefited felt guilty and uncomfortable.

Cultural limitations

Moghaddam (1998) suggests that such ‘economic’ theories only apply to Western relationships and even then only to certain short-term relationships among individuals with high mobility.

One group of people who fit this description are students in Western societies. They are typically very mobile and experience many short-term romantic relationships. Where there is little time to develop long-term commitment, it makes sense to be concerned with give-and-take

Individual differences

Not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned about achieving equity. Huseman (1987) suggest that some people are less sensitive to equity than others.

o Benevolents – those who are prepared to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it.

o Entitleds - those who believe they deserve to over benefit and accept it without feeling distressed or guilty.