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Social Equity and Exchange Theory
Social exchange is the idea that one feels that they are receiving something from their relationship, while equity focuses on how much someone is giving and how much their partner returns. For the purpose of social exchange and equity research, the “dyad,” or two-person partnership in a relationship, is the primary focus, as most research has been done on this pairing as opposed to other relationships models. Social Exchange and Equity are equally important characteristics of virtually all levels of relationships, ranging from friendship and dating to marriage.

Research indicates that interdependence and relational maintenance are important baseline characteristics that lead to exchange and equity in relationships. Essentially, it makes more sense that one would view their partner equally if they are both dependent on each other. Likewise, these partners are far more likely to engage in behaviors to preserve a relationship if they are in a relationship where both are viewed and treated as equals.

An interesting caveat to social exchange is that instead of seeking out maximum rewards for a minimum cost, or “the best deal,” people generally prefer to choose actions that will reward them and lead to a better relationship, and often overlook costs in the process. This distinguishes social exchange from other types, such as economic or material exchange.

In two studies on dating and how each person viewed their respective relationship standings, college students were assigned a questionnaire, where they detailed information on their dating lives and the seeming availability of potential opposite-sex partners on campus. Ultimately, two theories defined their conclusions; the first conclusion is that relationship inequity correlates with how committed someone is to the relationship. The second conclusion is that in most relationships, if somebody is satisfied they will be less likely to indicate desirable alternative partners for a relationship. If someone is not treated as an equal, then it is very unlikely that both partners will be satisfied and invested in continuing the relationship. Likewise, the “grass is greener on the other side” metaphor arises when someone is not satisfied with their relationship, thus suggesting that there would be more satisfaction in breaking up or finding another relationship.

When conducting a longitudinal study on romantic couples, professors at Illinois State University examined just how important equity was for determining the commitment, satisfaction, and stability of their relationships. Specifically, they focused on the role equity played against a number of other variables, like how the couples viewed alternatives to their present situation and how much time had been put into it. The results showed that if a partner felt that they were not benefiting enough from their relationship, it was associated with a higher chance to break up and overall dissatisfaction with the relationship. It is important to note that these findings only apply to general relationship inequity; if there is occasional inequity it does not determine a long-term change in the relationship quality. The most evidence, and therefore the most reliable conclusion from the study, was that the more satisfied and committed someone was to their partner, the more equal they felt in their relationship.

Social exchange theory and equity theory have not only been used to understand the development and maintenance of relationships, but also to understand and predict relationship difficulties and breakups. When predicting a breakup, the least important indicators from this research were whether the man felt he was under benefiting or was getting enough rewards. This evidence does not indicate causation, nor is it a comprehensive explanation for breakups or relationship dissatisfaction. It is, however, some useful background information when exploring factors that predict relationship longevity and commitment.