Maintenance

Maintenance

1. Social Exchange Theory

   • A01
     • Commitment to a relationship depends on profitability
       • Idea is to maximise profit and minimise costs
       • COSTS= Time wasted, effort, financial investment
       • REWARDS= Being cared for, sex and companionship
     • We develop a comparison level (CL). CL is the standards which all relationships are judged. Its formed by past relationships and expectations
       • If profit exceeds the CL, the relationship is worthwhile and will work
   • A02
     • Supporting Evidence...
       • RUSBULT AND MARTZ- explains why women stay in abusive relationships. When investments are high and alturnatives low (eg no money) could be considered a profit situation
       • SIMPSON- asked pps to rate members of opposite sex in terms of attractiveness. Those in relationships gave lower rating.
     • However...
       • Doesnt explain why people leave relationships despite having no alturnative
       • Focuses too much on individuals perspectives and selfish concerns
       • LOTT- Doesnt take into consideration level of importance. For example money means more to women than men.
   • 'Economic Theory'

2. Equity Theory

   • A01
     • People strive for fairness. if its not fair, the relationship is INEQUITABLE
     • If recieve more than give - Feel guilty
     • If recieve nothing but give a lot - Feel distressed
     • If relationship is inequitable, motivated to restore it
     • Equity is judged by ration of inputs and outputs
   • A02
     • Supporting Evidence...
       • STAFFORD AND CANARY- 200 married couples, relationship satisfaction is higher if relationship is equitable
     • However...
       • CLARK AND MILLS- Equity less important in long term relationships. Was found to only characterise relationships with business partners or business associates

3. A03

   • CULTURAL BIAS- only applies to relationships in western cultures. Only applies to short term relationships among individuals with high mobility Eg Students
   • GENDER BIAS- men and women judge equity differently.
   • SOCIALLY SENSITIVE- Women may not want to admit they are only with someone for the profits such as money