RS- Equity Theory

Question 1

What does the equity theory suggest?

Answer 1

• Walster et al (1978) suggested that what is most important is that the level of ‘profit’ in a relationship is roughly equal for both partners.
• If it is not, then one partner overbenefits, and the other underbenefits, which may lead to resentment and anger in the ‘underbenefitted’ partner, so threatening the relationship.
• If the relationship is perceived to be fair, both partners will be satisfied.

Question 2

What are the consequences of inequity?

Answer 2

• If a partner invests a lot in a relationship, but gets little out of it, then they will become dissatisfied.
• There will be a correlation between the level of perceived inequity and the level of dissatisfaction.
• Both the overbenefitted and underbenefitted partner will notice the inequity.
• The perception of inequity can change over time, for example, contributing more than what is received may be acceptable early on in a relationship, but will be perceived as unfair if it continues for a long period of time.

Question 3

Evaluate the equity theory. (ADVANTAGES)

Answer 3

1) Utne et al (1984) found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were also more satisfied than those who reported themselves as underbenfitting or overbenefitting, so supporting the predictions of equity theory.

2) 1500 couples were studied as part of the US National Survey of Families and Households, and psychologists found that the only subjective indicator of inequity was when women in a relationship felt that they were under-benefitting from the relationship.
- If the women under-benefitted to a high degree, then there was a high risk of divorce occurring.
- Therefore equity and inequity seem to be very important for females in a relationship, and females tend to be more honest and direct when asked about the equity of a relationship. - Equity is an important factor in relationships.

Question 4

Evaluate the equity theory. (DISADVANTAGES)

Answer 4

1) Huseman et al (1987) argue that not all people are concerned with the need for equity.
- Some take more satisfaction from contributing more to a relationship, whereas others are prepared to ‘overbenefit’ without guilt.
- This weakens the theory, as it does not account for individual differences.

2) Equity theory is more applicable to western individualistic cultures rather than eastern collectivist cultures.
- In western individualistic cultures people might be more concerned with equal rewards and costs in order for a relationship to be successful.
- However in eastern cultures, extended family networks and family values might be more important when maintaining a relationship, rather than focusing on rewards and costs and the idea of equity.
- Relationships in collectivist cultures might be successful due to cultural expectations and obligations of roles rather than equity of rewards and costs.