|
| ||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
Equity Theory
Explanations > Theories > Equity Theory Description | Example | So What? | See also | References
DescriptionPeople are happiest in relationships where the give and take are about equal. If one person is getting too little from the relationship, then not only are they going to be unhappy with this—the person getting the lion’s share will also be feeling rather guilty about this imbalance. This is reinforced by strong social norms about fairness. In short-term relationships we tend to trade in things, such as loaning small sums or buying beers. In longer-term relationships the trade is more emotional. Overall, though, it is still better to be getting more than less—although you could feel better about the relationship, the benefits you get from it can buy you compensatory happiness elsewhere. ExampleMen who have been pulled away from their family by their work sometimes try to even the scales with expensive holidays. This does not work well as they are trying to trade (short-term value) money for (long-term value) emotion. So what?Using itIf you are getting the short end of the stick in a relationship, use this to make the other person feel even more guilt than they already feel. Get them to focus on the value of the relationship itself rather than the more material things they are getting from it. DefendingIf you are getting what you want from a relationship, resist attempts to change the balance. See alsoEpistemological Weighting Hypothesis, Reciprocity Norm, Social Exchange Theory http://www.cba.uri.edu/Scholl/Notes/Equity.html ReferencesAdams (1963), Adams (1965), Homans (1961), Walster, Walster and Berscheid (1978) |awa|dd| |
|
|
|
|
|||||
