Equity Theory

AO1:

• Walster et al. (1978)
• Extension of the underlying beliefs of social exhange theory
• Messick and Cook- People strive to achieve fairness in relationships and feel distressed if this not the case
• The most successful relationships are those were both parties invest equally in one another
• What is considered 'fair' in a relationship is largely subjective
• An equitable relationship would be:
• Partner's benefits - their costs = Other partner's benefits - their costs
• Percieved inequality in a relationship motivates us to restore it in…