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

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

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

1. guilt, discomfort, shame

2. unhappiness, anger, resentment, hostility, contempt

What is distribution in terms of equity theory?

Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to achieve fairnes

What causes greater dissatisfaction in terms of equity theory?

greater degree of perceived unfairness

What is realignment in terms of equity theory?

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

Explain perceived ration 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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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