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Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory is an ‘Economic Theory’
We form a relationship if it is rewarding
We attempt to maximise our rewards and minimise
our costs
The rewards minus the costs equals the outcome
We commit to the relationship if the outcome is
profitable
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Economic theories of relationships
These theories use concepts from economics
and from operant conditioning.
They focus on how partners monitor and
regulate their relationships
ie. how & why they decide to form a
relationship, and stay in it, & why & when
they may terminate it
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Social Exchange Theory
Thibaut and Kelley,1959.
All behaviour is a series of exchanges. Individuals want to
maximise rewards and minimise costs.
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Social Exchange Theory(an
economic theory)
Rewards from relationships are sex,
companionship, being cared for etc.
People will only form a relationship if the
rewards outweigh the costs(in terms of
time, effort, finances etc)
Thus, commitment to a relationship is
dependent on its profitability.
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Relationship Development
1. Sampling
We consider the potential rewards and
costs of a relationship and compare it
with other relationships available at the
time.
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Relationship Development
2. Bargaining
We give and receive rewards and
negotiate to test whether
a deeper relationship is
worthwhile.
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Relationship Development
3. Commitment
The relationship increases in
predictability so each partner knows how
to elicit rewards from the other, which
lowers costs.
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Relationship Development
4. Institutionalisation
The relationship norms are developed
which establishes the patterns of
rewards and costs for each partner.
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Comparison Level
• We develop a CL which is a product of
our experiences in other relationships
and our general expectations
• A relationship will form if the potential
profit exceeds our CL
What will affect our Comparison Level?
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Comparison Level for alternatives
• We weigh up the potential increase in
rewards from an alternative partner
against any costs associated with
ending the current relationship
Is our Comparison Level fixed?
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Social Exchange Theory
Comparison level- CL:
The standard against which all our relationships are judged.
We get a comparison level through using our own experiences
in other relationships together with general views of what we
might expect to gain from the relationship.
If the benefit of a relationship exceeds the CL we worked out
then we would see forming the relationship as beneficial.
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Social Exchange Theory
Comparison level for alternatives-CL Alt
The CL Alt is when we compare our current
relationship with the benefits we would receive
from an alternative relationship.
If the benefits of the alternative relationship are
better we will end our current relationship and
start a new one.
If the benefits of the alternative relationship are
not any better we will stay in the current
relationship.
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Social Exchange Theory
Task
1- Take a celebrity couple and write down a list of profit and lost.
2-Work out a comparison level based on the celebrities past
relationships and what they have to gain from the relationship.
3-Should they have formed a relationship? Are they still together?
Does the SET fit?
You have 5 minutes.
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Evaluation SET
Strengths
The Clalt helps to explain why somebody would
terminate a relationship they were satisfied with (in
that the alternative partner can offer even more!)
Many studies show a strong negative correlation
between Clalt and commitment (esp men).
Real world application- people in unsuccessful
marriages frequently report a lack of positive
behaviour exchanges.
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Evaluation of SET
Weaknesses
Methodologies used: ,Most studies investigating it are
very artificial and lack ecological validity.
It has inconsistent empirical research: Clark and Mills
(1979) identified two different styles of couples
( communal and exchange couples). In the communal
couple they have positive regard for each other and
believe over time each will receive equal costs/benefits.
The exchange couple are more about here and now.
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Evaluation SET
Limited applications: Murstein (1977) found that only people in
problem marriages will look for alternatives.
The SET suggests people sit around weighing up their
relationships on a regular basis! Argyle (1987) argued that
people only do this when they have already become
dissatisfied by the relationship. Duck (1994) also agrees with
Argyle and feels people do not look at alternatives unless they
are unsatisfied with their current relationship.
Cultural bias: SET may only apply to western countries.
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What was
difficult
about the
lesson?
What did
you like
and dislike
about the
lesson?
I would like
to know
more
about..
The most
important
thing I have
learnt is..