Equity theory

equity meaning

• everyone gets what is fair even if its not the same

what does the equity theory argue

• individuals are more satisfied when they believe the relationship is fair

role of equity

• lack of equity: one person over benefits and other underbenefits leading to dissatisfaction.

• overbenefit: guilt and shame

• under benefit: angry and resentful

dealing with inequity

• try to restore fairness by changing behaviour or encouraging partner to give more

• if unfairness not fixed, relationship may break down

strength - research to support

• P: equitable relationships report higher satisfaction

• E: utne found equitable newlywed couples had higher levels of marital satisfaction compared to over/under benefiting ciuples

• L: increases validity

limitation - cultural influences

• P: lacks cross cultural validity

• E: aumer ryan et al compared satisfaction between western and collectivist cultures. in collectivist, happier when they were overbenefiting

• equity theory is culturally biased as it assumes all individuals are motivated by same desier of fairness

• ethnocentric

limitation - ignores gender differences

• sprecher found that women experience greater distress when they are under benefiting and feel more guilt.

• suggest that women are more equity sensitive contradicting equity theorys applying same predicitojs to both sexes