Author Question: Ellen and Grace have an equitable relationship. Describe what that would be like, and what would be ... (Read 124 times)

mydiamond · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Ellen and Grace have an equitable relationship. Describe what that would be like, and what would be some consequences of relationship inequities.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Without investments, social exchange theory would predict that an unsatisfying relationship would end. Explain why and be sure to describe the concepts involved in social exchange theory and the investment model.

What will be an ideal response?

pallen55 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An equitable relationship is one in which the rewards one partner receives, the costs one partner incurs, and the contributions one partner makes to the relationship are comparable to the costs, rewards, and contributions of the other person in the relationship. In an inequitable relationship, both partners feel discomfort and are motivated to restore equity to the relationship. Partners who overbenefit violate the equity norm, feel uncomfortable, and may eventually even feel guilty. Partners who underbenefit are likely to feel cheated or frustrated.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Classic social exchange theory compares rewards and costs to the comparison level and if the outcome is dissatisfaction, there is nothing in the theory to explain why a person would stay. However, with Rusbult's expansion of the classic social exchange theory, other things and people can become important to the relationship, called investments, and the relationship can weather the rough patch.