5) theories of romantic relationships: equity theory

Outline the equity theory

Walster (1978) is an economic theory in response to significant criticism of SET. Inequity leads to distress. the greater the inequity the greater the dissatisfaction

What happens when there is inequity in a relationship?

The under benefited partner will work hard to make the relationship more equitable

Why does chances in perceived equity happen?

It may feel natural to contribute more than you receive but if this continues as the relationship develops, it will continue to not feel satisfying

What are two things the under benefitted partner will do to restore equity?

They will change their cognitive perceptions of reward and costs so the relationship feels more equitable even if nothing changes, so what was a cost is now accepted as the norm. Or they will work hard to make the relationship more equitable

What research support is there for equity theory?

Joel er al (2020) found that two of the top five predictors of relationship success was ‘perceived partner commitment’ and ‘perceived partner satisfaction’ which suggest we want to maximise both our partners inputs and outputs in relationship which fits Witt the predictions of equity theory

Why may Joel et al( (2020) study have methodological issues?

Rewards and costs are subjective and usually based on superficial measurement such as money. Makes it hard to accurately quantify the ratio of inputs and outputs in a relationships

Why nah equity theory not apply to all cultures?

There is a cultural difference between equity and satisfactions. For example collectivist cultures like Jamaica were more satisfied when they were over benefitting, for both men and women. May be ethnocentric as it shows western cultures as the norm- caution when applying it to non western relationships

Why does equity theory ignore individual diffrence?

Some people are less concerned about equity than the norm. Eg some partners are benevolents- prepare to contribute more others are entitled: they deserve to be over benefitted.

(So some partners may not experience distress despite the relationship being inequitable)