Social Exchange Theory

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Social Exchange Theory

• By Emily McConaghy, Cailin Whincop, Jolene
  Krantz, Brenda Westerman

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What Is Social Exchange Theory?

• Is a Psychological Theory that attempts to
  explain the social factors that influence how
  individuals interact within reciprocal
  relationships
• Basically, attempts to describe the motivations
  people have to continue or end relationships
  based on costs, rewards, alternatives, and
  relational exchanges.

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• All relationships have give and take, although
  the balance of this exchange is not always equal
• According to this theory, people weigh the
  potential benefits and risks of social
  relationships
• People will only be generous if they expect some
  personal benefit to come to them because of it

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• When the risks outweigh the rewards, people will
  terminate or abandon that relationship
• Examples of personal gain from self sacrifice can
  include a show of gratitude from the recipient or
  the approval of the donors peer group

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• Essentially, the theory says that people seek
  relationships that provide more rewards than
  costs and their perception of the balance between
  rewards and costs is based on comparison level,
  what a person thinks they ought to give and
  receive in a relationship, and comparison level
  for alternatives, the value of alternate
  relationship options a person feels is available
  to him/her. Therefore, the balance between
  rewards and costs can predict the ultimate
  outcome of a relationship.

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• Prince Charles and Princess Diana
• Trade Off Marriage
• Diana offered the benefits of youth, fertility,
  and beauty that would ensure a healthy and
  attractive heir to the thrown and was of noble
  blood
• Charles offered wealth, a luxurious lifestyle and
  the opportunity for Diana to become Queen

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Contd

• Their marriage provided to heirs
• Diana couldnt withstand the restrictions of the
  royal family
• Charles was unwilling to end his relationship
  with Camilla Parker-Bowles
• Therefore, the benefits of the relationship did
  not outweigh the costs

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Twilight

• Edward and Bella are both perfect for each other
• Although, in Twilight Edward was unable to
  control himself from hurting Bella
• The expensive pf Bellas life was more than their
  strong relationship
• In New Moon, Edward had to leave her becauuse
  of this

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• The cost outweighed the rewards

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