Equity Theory

Theories of Romantic Relationships

What is equity theory?

An economic theory based on rewards and costs but focuses on balance and fairness in a relationship rather than equality and profit (SET).

What is equity in a relationship?

Profit for both partners are the same, not rewards and costs being the same.

How do rewards and costs differ with equity compared to equality?

Not the size but the ratio of the two. One may put a lot in but also get a lot out. Importance of compensating.

What results from inequity?

One may underbenefit and the other over benefits which leads to dissatisfaction. One may put in a great deal but get little out of it.

What are changes in perceived equity?

Things that seem fine at the start but change as it goes on, like putting in a lot of work seems harder as you go on.

How is inequity dealt with?

• under benefitted partner strives to make the relationship more equitable

• Cognitive changes where one will reevaluate their ideas of what is a reward or cost despite nothing changing

Strengths

• Research support - equity over SET - Utne found that married couples were happier when the relationship was equitable rather than one over/under benefitting.

Limitation

• Cultural limitations - cultural differences between equity and satisfaction found that those in individualist cultures were more satisfied with equity whereas those in a collectivist culture were happier overbenefitting.

• Individual differences - not everyone is concerned about equity and more focus of norms like one being a benevolent contributor and one being entitled - not universal

• False predictions - Berg and McQuinn found that equity did not increase and ended/continued relationships did not differ in terms of equity