Theories of romantic relationships - Equity Flashcards
What is the equity theory?
Individuals are motivated to achieve equity (fairness) in relationships. Definitions of equity can differ depending on the relationship, but maintenance of all relationships occurs through balance and stability. Relationships that are inequitable - one partner puts in more or less than the other - could be dissolved if this inequity is not resolved
Who created the equity theory?
Walster
What are the four principles of equity?
- Profit - Rewards are maximised and costs minimised.
- Distribution - Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to achieve fairness in a relationship.
- Dissatisfaction - The greater the degree of perceived unfairness, the greater the sense of dissatisfaction.
- Realignment - If restoring equity is possible, maintenance will continue, with attempts made to realign equity.
Who did Dainton study and what did he find?
Studied 219 individuals and found that people who had a perceived sense of inequity had low satisfaction in their relationship, but were motivated to return to equity
What did Yum et al. find?
There aren’t many cultural differences, although equitable couples performed the most maintenance strategies. The next group who performed the most were over-benefiters followed by under-benefiters
How is equity maintained in relationships and what happens when relationships are inequitable?
The recognition of inequity presents the couple with the opportunity to save the relationship by maintaining it further and adjusting the balance of equity. Relationships may alternate between equity and inequity, with individuals being motivated to return to a state of equity
Who found that the equity theory does not apply to all cultures? Give some examples they found
Moghaddam; US students prefer equity, but European students prefer equality
Who appears to find equity more important in relationships? What type of bias is this?
Women; beta bias (differences are being minimalised)
Why is this theory potentially unquantifiable?
Much input in relationships is emotional
