Equity theory

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What theory does equity theory build on + how?

• Social Exchange Theory (minimax principle - maximise reward + minimise costs in relationships)

• ET - claims also need balance

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What is Equity theory?

Walster (1978) - people strive for fairness/equity in relationships

• SO - important that each partner’s profit is approx. same, NOT costs/rewards being same (equality)

• Lack of this = one partner over-benefiting and the other under-benefiting → dissatisfaction → in the long run unhappiness

• Satisfaction in a relationship is about perceived fairness

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What types of dissatisfaction do 1. over-benefiting and 2. under-benefiting partners feel?

1. guilt, discomfort, shame

2. unhappiness, anger, resentment, hostility, contempt

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What is distribution in terms of equity theory?

Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to achieve fairnes

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What causes greater dissatisfaction in terms of equity theory?

Greater degree of perceived unfairness

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What is realignment in terms of equity theory?

If restoring equity is possible, relationship will continue with attempts to restore equity

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Explain perceived ratio of inputs and outputs in terms of Equity theory:

• ET isn’t about size/amount of rewards +costs BUT ratio

• If one partner puts in a lot, but gets a lot out of it → likely to be satisfied

• eg: shift worker in stressful job (eg: in A and E) vs stay at home parent → not fair for domestic tasks to be EQUALLY distributed

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What are the consequences of inequity according to the Equity theory?

• Predicts strong correlation b/w inequity + dissatisfaction

• Changes in perceived equity = particularly strong indicator of dissatisfaction (eg: a move from fairness → unfairness in relationship)

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

What are ways of dealing w/ inequity according to the equity theory?

• Behavioural - changing behaviour to help restore equity -> the more inequitable, the harder to restore equity

• Cognitive - reassessment of perception of costs/rewards -> what was once seen as cost, now seen as the norm

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Evaluation: Supporting research of Equity theory

IRL evidence confirms ET = more valid explanation than SET -> Utne et al (1984)'s survey of 118 recently married couple (b/w 16-45 who were together >2 years before marrying) found couples w/ perceived equitable relationships (on 2 self-report scales) = more satisfied than P's who saw themselves as over/under-benefiting, confirming equity = major concern for romantic couples + is linked w/ satisfaction (central prediction of ET)

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Evaluation: Counter-point of supporting research/ contradiction of Equity Theory

Clark (1984) - most couples don't think in terms of reward + equity, if they do = sign of marriage in trouble (so dissatisfaction = cause, not inequality) - undermines validity of ET bcs contradicts idea equity plays role in (dis)satisfaction BUT Van Yperen + Buunk (1990) - inequitable marriages = less satisfied over year, no evidence of converse -> Hatfield + Rapson (2011) suggest that both processes may be operating in failing marriages SO bidirectional ambiguity

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Evaluation: Individual differences/limitation of Equity Theory

Not all partners are concerned w/ achieving equity - Huseman et al (1987) suggests some are less concerned w/ it than the 'norm' -> eg: 'benevolents' = prepared for input>output (under-benefit) OR 'entitleds' = believe they deserve to over-benefit w/o guilt/distress -> shows desire for equity varies + isn't universal feature of romantic relationships

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Evaluation: Cultural differences/limitation of Equity Theory

ET doesn't apply to all cultures - Aumer-Ryan et al (2007) - USA couples (individualist) consider equitable to be most satisfying vs Jamaican couples (collectivist) consider over-benefitting most satisfying (for women + men) → ET = limited bcs imposed etic/culturally bound → NOT universal

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Evaluation: alt explanation of Equity theory - satisfaction

Eg: SPT suggests S-D is most important in satisfaction (eg: Sprecher + Hendrick (2004) - strong positive relationship b/w S-D + relationship satisfaction in heterosexual couples)

Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Evaluation: Alternative of ET - dissatisfaction

Alt to ET = RIM - adds investment ->commitment -> 'stay or leave' decision NOT just dissatisfaction bcs of perceived inequity (over/under-benefiting) -> highlights major issue of ET -> explains why dissatisfied partners stay -> more comprehensive