Equity theory

Equity theory

An economic theory of how relationships develop.

Acknowledges the impact of rewards and costs on relationship satisfaction, but criticises social exchange theory for ignoring the central role of equity

Equity

The perception that the distribution of rewards and costs in the relationship is fair

The role of equity

Walster 1978

Both partners’ level of profit (rewards-costs) being roughly the same matters the most. Not the same as equality - costs and rewards have to be the same.

When there is a lack of equity, 1 overbenefits and the other underbenefits from the relationship.

Over- and under-benefitting are examples of inequity although the underbenefitted partner feels greater dissatisfaction through anger and hostility. Overbenefitted partner may feel guilt, discomfort and shame. Satisfaction is about perceived fairness.

Equity and equality

The ratio of the rewards and costs matter more than the amount of them.

If 1 partner puts a lot into the relationship and gets a lot out of it, they are likely to feel satisfied.

E.g. In a relationship where 1 partner does night shifts and can’t cook the children’s tea, an equal distribution in domestic tasks wouldn’t seem fair for either partner. The equity may come from the compensations the night-shift partner offers in other areas or from satisfactions that the other partner gains. Satisfying relationships are marked by negotiations to ensure equity.

Consequences of inequity

When 1 partner puts loads into a relationship and gets little out of it.

A partner who perceives inequity will be distressed and dissatisfied with the relationship.

The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction.

Applies to over-benefitted and under-benefitted partners.

Changes in perceived equity

What makes partners most dissatisfied is a change in the perceived equity as time goes on.

At the start it may feel natural to contribute more than you receive.

If the relationship develops where you continue to put more in and get less out, it won’t feel as satisfying compared to the early days.

Dealing with inequity

Underbenefitted partner is motivated to make the relationship more equitable if they believe it is possible to do so.

The more the relationship feels unfair, the harder they will work to restore equity.

Another positive outcome is cognitive rather than behavioural. May revise perceptions of rewards and costs so the relationship feels more equitable to them if nothing changes. What was seen as a cost (untidiness, abuse) is accepted as a norm

S Utne

Real-world application that confirms it is more valid than SET

Survey of 118 recently-married couples, measuring equity with 2 self-report scales. Participants aged 16-45 and had been together for >2 years before marrying.

Couples who considered their relationship equitable were more statisfied than those who saw themselves as over- or under-benefitting.

Confirms that equity is a major concern of romantic couples and is linked with satisfaction, a central prediction of equity theory.

W Aumer-Ryan

May not apply to all cultures.

Couples from individualist cultures (US) said relationships were more satisfying when the relationship was equitable.

Couples from collectivist cultures (Jamaica) were more satisfied when they were overbenefitting. True for men and women, so cannot be explained by gender differences.

Suggests that the theory is limited because it may only apply to some cultures.

W Bartley

The way men and women perceive equity may be different

Studied 233 husbands and wives

Women spent triple the amount of time doing low-control household tasks

Very little difference in their mean equity scores. Husbands (3.88), wives (3.68).

Wives were more traditional in their attitudes towards gender roles than husbands, which may explain why they were willing to be burdened with low-control tasks.

Suggests that gender expections may affect perceptions of equity.