Equity Theory

Developing SET (social exchange theory) into equity theory…

• Equity theory builds on SET - both are economic models of relationships. However, while SET focuses on the balance of rewards and costs, Hatfield (1979) argues that it overlooks the importance of fairness or equality in romantic relationships

• Equity theory introduces the idea that it’s not just about how much you get out of a relationship, but whether what you get feels fair compared to what you put in

Equality and fairness…

• People feel more satisfied in a relationship when they believe there is fairness or equity - when the distribution of rewards and costs between both partners feels balanced

• It’s not about being exactly the same - its about perceived fairness. Each partners profit (rewards minus costs) should be proportionally equal, even if the actual rewards and costs are different

Example of equality and fairness…

• One partner might put a lot of effort into the relationship but also receive a lot of rewards

• The other might contribute less and also receive fewer rewards

• Even though the amounts differ, the relationship can still feel equitable if both feel they’re getting what they deserve

Consequences of inequity…

• Over benefitted partners (who get more than they give) may feel guilty, ashamed or pity towards their partner. They may recognise the imbalance but feel bad rather than happy about it

• Under benefitted partners (who give more than they get) are more likely to feel resentful, unappreciated and even angry. This can lead to dissatisfaction and eventual breakdown of the relationship if it continues

Changes in perspective over time…

• Perceptions of equity can change throughout a relationship

• Early in a relationship, partners may not be concerned with fairness - factors like attraction, excitement or emotional connection may take priority

• However, according to Hatfield (2011) in long term or more committed relationships, couples who are more successful are less likely to ‘keep score’. They don’t constantly monitor who’s giving or receiving more. Instead, they focus on mutual satisfaction and the overall balance over time

AO3 - Reductionist approach to relationships

Uses economic terms to explain real life human behaviour. Relationships are more than just a list of costs and rewards and so to oversimplify them in this way results in ignoring other complex processes that contribute to their success

AO3 - Research suggests that some people are less sensitive to equity than others

Some people are identified as benevolents, who are prepared to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it, whereas others are identified as entitled who believe they deserve to be over benefitted. This shows that equity theory fails to account for this individual difference in romantic relationships

AO3 - Utne (1984)

Conducted a self report survey on married couples, measuring perceived equity and contentment/relationship stability. Found partners in equal relationships had higher commitment and were happier compared to over benefitted and under benefitted partners (there was no sex differences in desire for equality)

AO3 - Aumer Ryan et al (2007)

Compared relationships in individualist cultures (eg USA) and collectivist cultures (eg Jamaica). They found that equity was more important for satisfaction in individualist cultures, but in collectivist cultures, people were often satisfied even when the relationship was inequitable. This suggest equity theory may be culturally biased as it assumes the concept of fairness is universal (limits generalisability)