Downloaded 217 times
Uploaded byJill Jan
Social exchange theory
Social exchange theory proposes that individuals form relationships by weighing rewards against costs. Rewards may include companionship, sex, or care from a partner. Costs could be things like time, effort, or finances required for the relationship. According to the theory, people will commit to relationships where the rewards outweigh the costs, making the outcome profitable. The comparison level, based on past relationship experiences and expectations, represents the standard against which individuals judge current relationships. If a potential new relationship seems more rewarding than the comparison level, the individual may choose to form that relationship instead of remaining in their current one.
More Related Content
![Interpersonal attraction [autosaved] save](https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/interpersonalattractionautosavedsave-170326141720-thumbnail.jpg?width=640&height=640&fit=bounds)
Similar to Social exchange theory
Social exchange theory
- 1. Powerpoint Templates Page 1 PowerpointTemplates Relationships
- 2. Powerpoint Templates Page 2 SocialExchange 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
- 3. Powerpoint Templates Page 3 Economictheories 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 3
- 4. Powerpoint Templates Page 4 SocialExchange Theory Thibaut and Kelley,1959. All behaviour is a series of exchanges. Individuals want to maximise rewards and minimise costs.
- 5. Powerpoint Templates Page 5 SocialExchange 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.
- 6. Powerpoint Templates Page 6 RelationshipDevelopment 1. Sampling We consider the potential rewards and costs of a relationship and compare it with other relationships available at the time.
- 7. Powerpoint Templates Page 7 RelationshipDevelopment 2. Bargaining We give and receive rewards and negotiate to test whether a deeper relationship is worthwhile.
- 8. Powerpoint Templates Page 8 RelationshipDevelopment 3. Commitment The relationship increases in predictability so each partner knows how to elicit rewards from the other, which lowers costs.
- 9. Powerpoint Templates Page 9 RelationshipDevelopment 4. Institutionalisation The relationship norms are developed which establishes the patterns of rewards and costs for each partner.
- 10. Powerpoint Templates Page 10 RewardsV Costs Rewards Costs
- 11. Powerpoint Templates Page 11 ComparisonLevel • 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?
- 12. Powerpoint Templates Page 12 ComparisonLevel 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?
- 13. Powerpoint Templates Page 13 SocialExchange 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.
- 14. Powerpoint Templates Page 14 SocialExchange 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.
- 15. Powerpoint Templates Page 15 SocialExchange 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.
- 16. Powerpoint Templates Page 16 EvaluationSET 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.
- 17. Powerpoint Templates Page 17 Evaluationof 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.
- 18. Powerpoint Templates Page 18 EvaluationSET 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.
- 19.
- 20. Powerpoint Templates Page 20 Whatwas 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..