There are three main theories to explain the maintenance of relationships, they are called the social exchange theory, the equity theory and the investment model.
The Social exchange theory - thibaut & kelly 1959
The social exchange theory is a theory based off that people in a relationship analyse cost and benefits. We naturally want to maximise the benefits of the relationship and minimise the costs. It is also expected that any benefits are also reciprocated. Thibaut and Kelly state that there are four phases of the social exchange theory.
1. The sampling stage - where costs and rewards are explored.
2. Bargaining - Where rewards and costs are agreed.
3. Commitment - Where rewards and costs are accepted.
4. Institutionalisation - Where norms and expectations are firmly established.
The theory states that individuals use a comparison level to evaluate costs and rewards and whether they are equal. In an ideal relationship, the individual wants the benefits to outweight the costs. When the costs begin to outweigh the benefits, this is when relationship breakdown can occur.
1. The sampling stage - where costs and rewards are explored.
2. Bargaining - Where rewards and costs are agreed.
3. Commitment - Where rewards and costs are accepted.
4. Institutionalisation - Where norms and expectations are firmly established.
The theory states that individuals use a comparison level to evaluate costs and rewards and whether they are equal. In an ideal relationship, the individual wants the benefits to outweight the costs. When the costs begin to outweigh the benefits, this is when relationship breakdown can occur.
the equity theory - walster 1978
The equity theory is similar to that of the social exchange theory is that it focuses on costs and rewards of the relationship. However, how it is different is that it empthasises the importance of EQUALITY in the relationship, the goal is not to maximise rewards and benefits but to establish equality in the relationship. The greater the perceived inequality in the relationship, the more unhappiness that occurs. Moghaddam et al (1993) argues that preoccupation with exchange and equity is more of a feature in western individualistic cultures rather than collectivist cultures.
The INVESTMENT MODEL - RUSBULT (1983)
The investment model acknowledges costs and benefits aswell, but also focuses on the amount of investment in the relationship. The theory states that the higher amount of investment in the relationship, the less likely and easily the person is to end the relationship. Rusbult studied college students, and found that relationship length was closely linked to satisfaction and amount of investment in a relationship. For example, a person who has invested in buying a house with a partner may be less inclined to end the relationship if they are unhappy than someone who is in a relativley investmentless relationship. Investments may vary from emotional investments to physical investments such as money, properties and children.
