Question 9 . Outline the likely consequences of inequitable relationships.
Social exchange theory, of which equity theory is a special case, proposes that the course of social interactions depends on subjective evaluation of the rewards(outcomes) and costs(inputs) involved.
Equity, which is just one interpretation of fairness, is percieved to exist between two people, A and B, when A's outcomes/A's inputs = B's outcomes/ B's inputs. Equity can be applied to a range of transactions, including relationships where the benefits would include affection, emotional support and approval and the costs would include effort, time wasted and money spent. Inequitable relationships can have unpleasant consequences for the participants and are unstable. People who feel that they have received less than they think they deserve given their inputs, will feel angry, resentful and exploited. Those who feel that they have received more than they deserve given their inputs, may experience guilt. When faced with inquity we can change what we contribute or gain from the relationship. Alternatively, we can try to modify our perceptions of our inputs and outcomes so the ratio is no longer perceived as inequitable. If neither of these strategies is successful then the relationship is likely to end.
Taken from UOL Past year Zone A 2005 Exam paper, Elements of social and applied psychology.
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The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.
Equity, which is just one interpretation of fairness, is percieved to exist between two people, A and B, when A's outcomes/A's inputs = B's outcomes/ B's inputs. Equity can be applied to a range of transactions, including relationships where the benefits would include affection, emotional support and approval and the costs would include effort, time wasted and money spent. Inequitable relationships can have unpleasant consequences for the participants and are unstable. People who feel that they have received less than they think they deserve given their inputs, will feel angry, resentful and exploited. Those who feel that they have received more than they deserve given their inputs, may experience guilt. When faced with inquity we can change what we contribute or gain from the relationship. Alternatively, we can try to modify our perceptions of our inputs and outcomes so the ratio is no longer perceived as inequitable. If neither of these strategies is successful then the relationship is likely to end.
Taken from UOL Past year Zone A 2005 Exam paper, Elements of social and applied psychology.
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The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.
- Excellence: Can We Be Equal and Excellent Too? (1961)
posted by Your average boy next door @ 10:08 PM
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