Social exchange theory
Thibault and Kelley:
Minimax principle
Economic element in romantic relationships – similar to how a business may work
Involves minimising costs and maximising rewards = minimax principle
We judge our satisfaction of the relationship by its profits (= rewards - costs)
Minimax principle is flexible...
Rewards/costs are subjective
Vary between people - one reward may be very important for one person, but unimportant for
someone else
Vary over stages of relationship
Rewards and costs:
Rewards:
Companionship
Sex
Emotional support
Costs: (Blau said relationships can be ‘expensive’)
Time
Effort
Spending money
stress
Compromise
Opportunity cost
Relationships can have an ‘opportunity cost’ - your investment of time/energy in a certain relationship
means using resources which therefore cannot be invested in other relationships.
Comparison level
1st measure of profits
CL = amount of reward you believe you deserve
Develops from experiences in past relationships – forms expectations
+ develops from social norms – as seen in media e.g. books, TV
CL changes over time as we acquire more knowledge to determine it by
When CL is high we will pursue that relationship – clear links to self-esteem
Often high CL links to high self-esteem, low CL – low self esteem
Comparison level for alternates (CLalt)
Thibault and Kelley:
Minimax principle
Economic element in romantic relationships – similar to how a business may work
Involves minimising costs and maximising rewards = minimax principle
We judge our satisfaction of the relationship by its profits (= rewards - costs)
Minimax principle is flexible...
Rewards/costs are subjective
Vary between people - one reward may be very important for one person, but unimportant for
someone else
Vary over stages of relationship
Rewards and costs:
Rewards:
Companionship
Sex
Emotional support
Costs: (Blau said relationships can be ‘expensive’)
Time
Effort
Spending money
stress
Compromise
Opportunity cost
Relationships can have an ‘opportunity cost’ - your investment of time/energy in a certain relationship
means using resources which therefore cannot be invested in other relationships.
Comparison level
1st measure of profits
CL = amount of reward you believe you deserve
Develops from experiences in past relationships – forms expectations
+ develops from social norms – as seen in media e.g. books, TV
CL changes over time as we acquire more knowledge to determine it by
When CL is high we will pursue that relationship – clear links to self-esteem
Often high CL links to high self-esteem, low CL – low self esteem
Comparison level for alternates (CLalt)
