Social Exchange Theory

Social Exchange Theory

-Basic tenets of this theory emerge from micro economic theory (marketplace mentality), always exchanging goods (cost-benefit) -Thus, human social relationships can be understood as revolving around the exchange of goods valued by the participants -Ones behavior in social relationships tends to be a function of the social system of which one is a part (norms, standards, laws, customs) -Main principle is that people carry out their social interactions in the same way that businesses carry out their economic exchange- to maximize benefits and minimize costs (we want the best value) -People make decisions about whether or not to engage with someone in social interaction with someone on the basis of them judged value (desirability) of that interaction -Majors authors of social exchange theory as applied to the family include Kelley, homans, Blau, thibaut (mate selection, courtships, sexual bargaining)

Strengths

easy to understand, parsimonious (to the point, straightforward)

Assumptions

human beings are basically self-interested, human beings are constrained by our choices, prior experiences (shape subsequent interactions), human beings are basically rational beings, social interactions are dependent on the norm of reciprocity (emotional ledger), mate selection (emotional shopping list, compared to others, family, friends, peers, media, religion, we are hoping to be able to make a profit(rewards outweigh the costs), mate selection is a hard process

Critiques

there are exceptions based on the fact that we act irrationally, altruism

SVR Theory

Stimulus- physical attractiveness, initial attraction Value- beliefs, faith, hopes, desires Role- mom, dad, breadwinner, chores