Social Exchange Theory

Recap the equity theory with your partner... What is equity? What is the equation for equity theory? Stafford and Canary found... Buunk and Van Yperen found... Clark and Mills found...

Learning Objectives To be aware of why relationships are maintained according to social exchange theory. Success Criteria Recap the equity theory. Make notes on SET on page 9 and then apply your knowledge of profits and losses to a celebrity couple. Evaluate the social exchange theory on page 10. Challenge Create the final essay plan for maintenance on page 12.

Rewards – Costs = Outcome Profit and Loss All relationships are about exchanges, we need to maximise rewards and minimise costs In which ways could a relationship be rewarding? In which ways could a relationship be costly? We need to make a profit in our relationships (rewards are more frequent than costs) Rewards – Costs = Outcome Commitment to relationship is based on the outcome Costs = effort, financial investment, time wasted Rewards = being cared for, companionship, sex

Comparison Level A comparison level is a proposed standard which compare all relationships against. The CL is based on previous experience; if we judge current relationships to be above the CL we are likely to proceed with the relationship, if the current relationship falls below the CL we are likely to judge the relationship negatively and the individual less attractively. The comparison level for alternatives is when a person weighs up the rewards of starting a new relationship, compared to the costs of ending the current relationship. If the profit is high then we are likely to start a new relationship.

Social Exchange Theory The 4 stages to a long-term relationship The couple explore the profits and losses in a variety of relationships. Sampling The couple ‘costs out’ the relationship and identifies the sources of profit and loss. Bargaining The couple settles into the relationship; the profits and losses become predictable. Commitment The interactions are established and the couple ‘settles down’. Institutionalisation

Activity Page 9 of your booklet You are going to work out the profits and losses of Steven and Alex Gerrard’s relationship. Each item will be given ± one point For example, similar sense of humour = +1 Dissimilar taste in music = -1

Evaluation – AO2 You should use your textbook to evaluate the social exchange theory. You need to make notes on page 10 about the support and criticisms of the social exchange theory. Remember to include synoptic toolbox information!

Some relationships should break up, especially those characterized by violence and physical and/or psychological abuse, and people who feel committed to such toxic relationships might stay even when it’s not in their best interests. Rusbult and Martz studied 100 victims of abuse taking refuge in a shelter for battered women. They created this model: Severity of the abuse and attributions (e.g., “it’s my fault he was angry”). Education and income, employment status, and availability of transportation Intentions to separate from their partners after leaving the shelter number of children, marital status, and length of the relationship

Rusbult and Martz (1995) They argue that SET can explain why women stay in abusive relationships. Investments could be high (children and financial security). Alternatives could be low (lack of housing and money). This could be taken into consideration when the women decide whether to stay or leave the relationship.

Simpson et al.(1990) Asked participants to rate members of the opposite sex in terms of attractiveness. Those involved in a relationship gave lower ratings (i.e. comparison level for alternatives). However, social exchange theory does not explain whey some people leave relationships despite having no alternatives; the theory also does not explain how great the difference has to be in comparison level for someone to be unsatisfied.

Duck and Sants (1983) The social exchange theory focuses too much on the individual’s perspective and ignores the social aspects of the relationships (e.g. communication between the couple and how they interpret shared events). i.e. This is a really selfish theory based on individualistic concepts.

Moghaddam (1998) These economic theories are based on Western cultures where relationships are often short- term and individuals are mobile (can move around). In non-Western cultures there is a greater focus on long-term commitment, people are less mobile, and they often value security rather than personal profit.

Relationship Therapy  Gottman and Levenson (1992) Successful marriages have a ratio of 5:1 positive : negative exchanges Unsuccessful marriages have a ratio of 1:1 or less Relationship therapy aims to increase the positive exchanges and decrease the negative. What advice can you offer the couple on page 10 to rebalance the exchanges?