equity theory

what is the equity theory?

it is another economic theory of relationships that was developed in response to the social exchange theory - which fails to consider that most people want balance rather than profit in a relationship

outline what the equity theory proposes about relationships

• it claims that people are most comfortable when what they get out of a relationship (ie benefits) is roughly equal to what they put in (ie costs)

• this theory is an extension of SET in that it considers the distribution of rewards + costs + the perceived sense of fairness

which relationships are associated with distinct types of dissatisfaction?

those that lack equity

describe how inequity affects the relationship + the people in it

• if people feel over-benefitted, they may experience pity, guilt + shame

• if they feel under-benefitted, they may experience anger, sadness + resentment

• the greater the inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction + stress and the more motivated they are to do something about it

if people perceive inequity in their relationship then….

they are motivated to restore it

outline the 3 ways Hatfield + Rapson suggest equity can be restored in relationships

1. restoration of actual equity

   • individuals can restore equity by voluntarily setting things right or by urging their partners to do so

2. restoration of psychological equity

   • couples in inequitable relationships can distort reality + convince themselves that things are perfectly fair just the way they are

3. leaving the relationship

   • if couples are unable to restore equity in their relationship, they can leave it - this can be physically (divorce) or emotionally (no longer have feelings for their partner)

give + explain one strength of the equity theory

P - A strength of equity theory is that there is supporting evidence.

E - Stafford and Canary asked over 200 married couples to complete questionnaires measuring equity and relationship satisfaction. Each spouse was asked questions about their use of relationship maintenance strategies such as assurances (emphasising affection and commitment to the relationship), sharing tasks (such as household chores) and positivity (communicating in an upbeat and optimistic manner). Satisfaction was highest for spouses who perceived their relationships to be equitable followed by over-benefitted partners.

Under-benefitted partners were least satisfied. Under-benefitted husbands reported significantly lower levels of relationship maintenance strategies compared to equitable or over-benefitted husbands. Spouses who were treated equitably tended to be happier and so were more likely to engage in behaviours that contributed to their spouse's sense of equity and happiness.

E - This is a strength because perceived equity is an important determinant of marital satisfaction.

L - Therefore, this supporting evidence adds validity to the theory.

give 3 limitations of the equity theory

1. there are individual difference

2. culturally biased

3. the direction of causation is unclear

explain how the equity theory is limited by the fact there are individual differences using PEEL

P - A limitation of equity theory is that there are individual differences. The theory of a fair distribution of rewards and costs is too simplistic and not necessarily an important feature in all romantic relationships.

E - Not everyone experiences the same level of tension when they perceive inequitable relationships. Huseman (1987) identified three categories of individuals: benevolents, equity sensitives and entitleds. Benevolents are 'givers' and tend to be more tolerant of under rewarded inequity. Equity sensitives behave in accordance with equity theory, experiencing tension when faced with inequity. Entitled prefer to be over rewarded, having the attitude that they are owed and are entitled to receive benefits. The concept of 'equity sensitivity determines the extent to which an individual will tolerate inequity.

E - This is a limitation, because this demonstrates that there are important individual differences in the impact of inequitable relationships.

L - Therefore, this research challenges the assumptions made by equity theory and weakens the validity.

explain how the equity theory is culturally biased using PEEL

P - A limitation of equity theory is that there is cultural bias.

E - Equity may not be as important in non-Western cultures given that most research has been carried out in the US and in Western Europe. Aumer-Ryan (2007) found that there are cultural differences in the link between equity and satisfaction. Couples from an individualist culture (USA) considered their relationships to be the most satisfying when the relationship was equitable. Whereas partners in a collectivist culture (Jamaica) were most satisfied when they were over benefitting. This was true of both men and women so cannot be explained by gender differences.

E - This is a limitation as it suggests that the theory is limited as it only applies to some cultures.

L - Therefore, this means that equity theory is limited because it is not a universally valid theory of relationships. It has been proposed by a Western researcher and therefore may be ethnocentric.

explain how the equity theory’s direction of causation is unclear using PEEL

P - A limitation of equity theory is that it is unclear the direction of causation. Did the lack of equity lead to dissatisfaction or did dissatisfaction lead to the identification of inequity?

E - There is some research to suggest that a lack of equity leads to dissatisfaction, but other research shows the opposite direction of cause and effect. Grote and Clark (2001) argue that as soon as partners start monitoring each other's contributions, this is a sign of dissatisfaction. Once dissatisfaction sets in, partners notice inequities and become even more dissatisfied - a cycle of misery.

E - This is a limitation because the direction of causation might be wrong.

L - Therefore, the equity theory itself might not be valid.