TORR: Equity theory

What is equity theory

An economic theory of how relationships develop - developed in response to criticism of SET that fails to take into account the need for equity

What is equity and what did Elaine Walster say about it

Equity = fairness. Walster and colleagues said what matters most with equity is that both partners profit is roughly the same

What happens when there is a lack of equity

One partner overbenefits and the other underbenefits which leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness

How do you ensure equity in a relationship

By making negotiations and that rewards are distributed fairly (not equally) between partners

What makes us most dissatisfied in a relationship

Change in the level of perceived equity as time goes on - at the start of a relationship it may feel perfectly natural to contribute more than you receive, but as time goes on this will not feel as satisfying

How do romantic partners deal with inequity

The underbenefitted partner is usually motivated to make the relationship more equitable as long as they believe it is possible to do so. On the other hand, another possible outcome is that they will revise their perceptions of rewards and costs so that the relationship feels more equitable to them, even if nothing actually changes

What is a strength

Evidence from real-world relationships. Mary Utne et al. (1984) carried out a survey of 118 recently married couples, measuring equity with 2 self report scales. The participants were aged between 16 and 45 years and had been together for more than 2 years before marrying. The researchers found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as overbenefitting or underbenefitting. Confirms equity is a major concern of romantic relationships and is linked with satisfaction

What is a counterpoint to the previous evaluation point

Berg and McQuinn (1986) found that equity did not increase over time, as would also be predicted by equity theory. They also did not find that the relationships that ended differed in terms of equity. Other variables like self-disclosure were significantly more important. Undermines the validity because equity does not play the role in relationship dissatisfaction that is predicted

What is a limitation

Equity theory may not apply to all cultures. Aumer Ryan et al. (2007) found that couples from individualist cultures considered their relationships to be most satisfying when the relationship was equitable, whereas partners in a collectivist culture were most satisfied when overbenfitting. This was true for both women and men so can’t be explained by gender differences. Suggests the theory is limited because it only applies to some cultures

What is another limitation

Not all partners in romantic relationships are concerned about achieving equity. Huseman et al. (1987) suggest that some people are less concerned about equity than the ‘norm’. They describe some partners as ‘benevolents’ who are prepared to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it. Others are ‘entitleds’ who believe they deserve to overbenefit and accept it without feeling distressed or guilty. Shows a desire for equity varies from one individual to another and is not a universal feature of romantic relationships