Maintenance of Relationships 2 x Theories

Success Criteria By the end of the lesson… How will I know if I am learning? By the end of the lesson… E You will be able to explain what Social Exchange Theory (SET) & Equity Theory say about relationship maintenance. C You be able to apply these theories to real relationships. A You be able analyse what kinds of relationships are ignored by economic theories and begin to evaluate economic theories of relationship maintenance.

Economic Theory 1: Social Exchange Theory (SET) – Thibaut & Kelley (1959) Social Exchange Theory is an ‘economic theory’ - it takes the view that social relationships are run in a similar way to a business – people are negotiating to get the best deal. SE T is based on the principles of operant conditioning which suggest we form and maintain relationships because they are rewarding – this means they are profitable because the rewards we receive from the relationship outweigh the costs incurred. If the relationship stops being profitable because the costs outweigh the rewards the relationship will end.

Economic Theory 1: Social Exchange Theory (SET) - Thibaut & Kelley (1959) SET suggests relationships are run like a balance sheet - partners are always trying to maximise their rewards and limit their costs. Satisfaction depends on the ‘outcome’ - the balance between rewards and costs A successful relationship is a profitable one because the rewards outweigh costs, although a state of ‘loss’ will occur if the costs start to outweigh the rewards

PSYA3: Topics in Psychology - Relationships Last Modified 02/02/2013 Activity One Calculate how rewarding a current relationship (or friendship) is by assigning a unitary value to the rewards received and the costs incurred from Rewards received Costs incurred Value   Total value rewards = Total value costs = Outcome: 100 love points 50 love points 50 love points in profit  Topic 02: Maintenance - Lesson 04 (SET and Equity)

The Comparison Level (CL) Economic Theory 1: Social Exchange Theory (SET) - Thibaut & Kelley (1959) The Comparison Level (CL) We each develop a standard against which we compare all our relationships. It is based on our experiences, plus our views of what we might expect to give and receive in a relationship. If we judge the potential profit of a new relationship to exceed that of our exiting relationship we will be dissatisfied in the existing relationship. We make a ‘Comparison Level for Alternatives’ where we weigh up the potential increase in rewards from a new partner, minus any costs involved in ending our current relationship. CLalt

Potential relationship Comparison Level Current relationship Potential relationship “What have I got now?” “What could I have?” Comparison level New relationship Profit Comparison level Current relationship Profit

Evaluation Why might some women stay in abusive relationships? (think profit and loss) How might people preserve their own relationship (Simpson 1990?) – “ I don’t think Jonny Depp is attractive at all”…said Ms Alexander ! Are we really that selfish? Is this true of individualist cultures? What about more collectivist societies? Who would these theories really apply to ?

Activity Two Meaning Stage Description Sampling   Bargaining Commitment Institutionalisation Analysing the potential costs and rewards of entering into a relationship with someone. A testing phase of giving and receiving rewards to work out if the new relationship is worth forming. Sampling and bargaining is reduced and attraction to the other person will increase if the costs of being in a relationship are also reduced. A relationship is recognised as having been formed and norms are developed that set the expectation of specific rewards and costs for the relationship for continued success.

Economic Theory 2: Equity Theory: Walster et al (1978) People strive to achieve fairness in their relationship. Inequality has the potential to cause distress. This happens when one person gives a great deal and gets little in return (inequity). However the same is true of those who receive a great deal and give little in return. Equality Equity ≠ _____ Equity = _____ Person’s perceived inputs equal outputs!

Economic Theory 2: Equity Theory: Walster et al (1978) Perceived ratio of Inputs and Outputs Inequity doesn’t necessarily mean inequality. Two individuals can put in variable amounts and still maintain equity. This is because a person holds subjective views on the relative inputs and outputs of themselves and their partner. If we fear inequity in our relationship we may try and change our input and outputs to restore equity. We may also compare it to our CLalt. Equality Equity ≠ _____ Equity = _____ Person’s perceived inputs and outputs!

Think about it why might people feel dissatisfied in the following examples? Person is giving more to the relationship than they feel they are getting out of it… Person is getting more out of the relationship than they feel they are giving to it…  

PSYA3: Topics in Psychology - Relationships Last Modified 02/02/2013 Activity Three Meaning Key Terms Description Profit   Distribution Dissatisfaction Realignment Rewards are maximised and costs minimised. Trade-offs and compensations are negotiated to try and gain fairness. The greater the degree of perceived unfairness, the greater the dissatisfaction. If restoring equity is possible, attempts will be made to restore it and the relationship is maintained. Topic 02: Maintenance - Lesson 04 (SET and Equity)