So I've had my topic picked for a while now, but have spent most of my time commenting on other people's great posts.
Thought it was time to start throwing up some of my own, but i'll ease into it with a very basic (wikipedia) definition of my topic - social exchange theory.
Social exchange theory is a social psychological and sociological perspective that explains social change and stability as a process of negotiated exchanges between parties. Social exchange theory posits that all human relationships are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives. For example, when a person perceives the costs of a relationship as outweighing the perceived benefits, then the theory predicts that the person will choose to leave the relationship. The theory has roots in economics, psychology and sociology.
For social exchange theorists, when the costs and benefits are equal in a relationship, then that relationship is defined as equitable. The notion of equity is a core part of social exchange theory.
I think social exchange theorists would take an interesting view of this cartoon I've found.
It seems that the girl is willing to make some significant investments in the relationship, and in doing so improve its benefits, while the boy is probably thinking about what a long-term relationship with this girl would cost his sense of identity. Does he have an alternative option that likes him just the way he is, or won't cost him as much?
Anyway I'll be back with some more exciting perspectives on this interesting theory soon...
2 comments:
Hi Dave,
We are such an economically driven society. This theory suggests that even in relationships we way up the costs and benefits to our selves, in comparison to other options!
This theory suggests that people are likely to leave relationships they percieve to be too costly, with little gain. Additionally it suggests that people are likely to stay in a relationship where the benefits outway the cost.
From here it seems that a happy relationship is one in which both parties minimize costs and maximise benefits. I know this is definately a judgement i use when giving advice to friends on relationships!
'Relationships are about give and take!'
'It's all about compromising'
'you can't have everything your way JO'
Haha, and so on and so on! I think i may be a preacher for this theory :)
I'm not sure if this will make much sense....but here i go...
Perhaps this theory also explains our rationalizing efforts in circumstances where we cannot change the situation. In other words to increase our happiness in relationships where the balance may be uneven, but we percieve it as unchangeable for whatever reason, we RATIONALIZE!
For example i have always been upset with the lack of effort one of my family members puts into seeing us. It is always one sided. I also think that if this person were not a family member i would have given up a long time ago. Yet, he is and i can't change it. I remember one day trying to think of the positives from the situation...for example the appreciation i was getting for the other people in my life! I also thought that at least from the relationship i was learning Tolerance and persistence. To me these were valuable lessons (benefits). Furthermore, while he was not gaining as many costs as us (effort wise etc), he was also not gaining benefits either. Ta da...i had rationalized the whole situation to make the realtionship more equitable and bearable!
Anyway, good blog Dougie! :) Might see you in class this week!
FYI I've started adding some links here - Social Exchange Theory
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