equity theory

Question 1

equity

Answer 1

• the idea that the distribution of the rewards and costs is fair for both partners
• emphasises the need for each partner to experience a balance between their costs(efforts) and rewards which leads to satisfaction

Question 2

economic theory

Answer 2

• suggests that we are acting out of self-interest and that the exchange of rewards and costs are important in relationship satisfaction
• but argues that equity is also important

Question 3

equity theory process for satisfaction

Answer 3

• rewards exceed the costs so profit
• measured by equity (i.e. if a person puts a lot into the relationship (costs) but gets a lot out of it (rewards) theyll be satisfied as theyre experiencing equity)
• partners can negotiate to ensure equity e.g. compromises
• relationships should become more equitable over time (invest more effort to start with so thered be more costs to get the relationship going but becomes more equitable over time)
• satisfaction

Question 4

equity theory process for dissatisfaction

Answer 4

• if inequitable (unfair distribution of rewards and costs)
• underbenefitter feels anger, resentment, hostility
• overbenefitter feels guilt, discomfort, shame
• both dissatisfied (most dissatisfied when there are changes in perceived equity over time)
• to restore equity: underbenefitter works hard to restore equity or they revise their perceptions to make the relationship feel more equitable

Question 5

evaluation points for equity theory

Answer 5

• supporting evidence from Utne et al
• undermining evidence from Huseman et al
• undermining evidence from Berg and McQuinn
• undermining evidence from cultural validity

Question 6

supporting evidence for equity theory from Utne et al

Answer 6

• carried out a survey of 118 recently-married couples, measuring equity with 2 self-report scales.
• participants aged between 16 and 45 years and had been together more than 2 years before marrying
• found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as overbenefitting or underbenefitting
• suggests equity is major concern of romantic couples and is linked to satisfaction [add in here why those who were overbenefitting or underbenefitting in the study would be less satisfied
• supports central prediction of equity theory as a valid theory of romantic relationships

Question 7

undermining evidence from Huseman et al

Answer 7

• evidence suggests individual differences in perceived importance of equity in a relationship
  Huseman et al suggested some people are less sensitive to equity than others
• Some partners are ‘benevolents’, who are prepared to contribute more to the relationship than they get out of it.
• Others are ‘entitleds’ who believe they deserve to be overbenefitted and accept it without feeling distressed or guilty

Question 8

undermining evidence for equity theory from Berg and McQuinn

Answer 8

• found that equity did not increase in their longitudinal study of dating couples
• found no difference in equity in relationships which had ended compared to those which continued
• undermines validity of equity theory as equity does not seem to play the role in relationship dissatisfaction (as the relationships that continue/end do not seem to be linked to whether there is equity or not)
• and relationships dont seem to become more equitable over time as would be predicted by the theory

Question 9

undermining evidence from cultural validity

Answer 9

• found couples from an individualist culture (the USA, which prioritises the individual’s needs) considered their relationship to be most satisfying when it was equitable, whereas partners from a collectivist culture (Jamaica, where the needs of the wider group come first) were most satisfied when they were overbenefitting
• true of men and women so can’t be explained by gender differences
• suggests theory’s claim that equity is a universal need in relationships is unwarranted
• so theory has limited external validity as a theory of romantic relationships as it can’t explain this cultural difference so only applies to some cultures

Question 10

comparing equity theory and Rusbult’s investment model

Answer 10

• both economic theories
• both are subjective
• equity satisfied due to profit to the level we deserve (equity) and RIM satisfied due to profit to the level we deserve (CL)
• in equity, profit determined by equity and in RIM profit to the level we deserve (CL)
• in equity if dissatisfied because its inequitable, try to repair it but in RIM if dissatisfied may still be committed if alts are unattractive and have investments
• in equity can make profit but dissatisfied cause its inequitable and RIM loss leads to dissatisfaction but may still be committed
• both aim for profit but RIM in terms of satisfaction and isnt the only factor that determines staying in the relationship
• equity focuses on current relationship, RIM compares current relationship to others but when measuring commitment instead of satisfaction
• both argue things can change over time - equity equity and RIM values of rewards and costs and investment size
• both argue past is important in some way- equity argues equity can change and RIM CL with past relationships and investments from past can determine our commitment
• equity argues you stay in relationship because satisfied because making profit measured by CL and CLalt and RIM argues you stay in relationship because committed because satisfied, alts are unattractive, high investments