6) Theories of romantic relationships: Equity Theory

Equity Theory (ET)

Developed due to criticism of social exchange theory, to include more emphasis on fairness and balance (or equity) rather than profit. - About balance not equality

What is considered ‘fair’ is subjective for each partner e.g. one partner put less in, but it is still equitable if they get less out of the relationship

ET - Elaine Walster

According to Elaine Walster what matters most with equity is that both partners’ level of profit (rewards minus costs) is roughly the same.

This is not the same as equality where costs + rewards have to be the same for each partner.

Lack of equity and one partner will over benefit (AO1)

When there is a lack of equity one partner over benefits and the other under benefits from the relationship and (according to ET) this is a recipe or dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Both over benefit and under benefit are examples of inequality although it is the under benefited partner who is likely to feel the greatest dissatisfaction, in the form of anger, hostility, resentment and humiliation.

The overbenefitted partner will likely feel guilt, discomfort and shame. Thus, satisfaction is about perceived fairness.

Equity does not mean quality

It’s not the size or amount of rewards and costs that matters, it’s the ratio of the two to each other.

So if one partner puts a lot into the relationship, but at the same time gets a lot out of it, they are likely to feel satisfied.

Maintenance

Maintenance is achieveied through balance and stability.

Therefore any kind of inequity can potentially create dissatisfaction.

Both people who give a great deal and get little in return and people who gives a little, but get a lot in return.

Two ways of dealing with Inequity

Relationships may alternate between periods of balance and imbalance with individuals being motivated to realign and return to a state of equity.

• Underbenefitted partner is usually motivated to make the relationship more equitable as long as they believe it is possible to do so and that the relationship is salvageable. The more unfair the relationship feels, the harder they will work to restore equity.

• Revise their perceptions of rewards and costs so that the relationship feels more equitable to them, even if nothing actually changes. What was once seen as definitely a cost earlier in the relationship (untidiness, actual abuse, thoughtless) is accepted as the norm.

ET predicts strong correlation

Equity Theory predicts a strong correlation between the greater the perceived inequality the greater the dissatisfaction, which applies to both the underbenefitted and overbenefitted.

Indeed, Hatfield et al (1979) → questioned newlyweds. Underbenefitted has lowest level of satisfaction (felt angry), overbenefitted came next (felt guilt). Equitable relationships had highest level of satisfaction.