Exchange Theory Key Assumptions Rewards And Costs Rational Decision-Making Social Exchange And Power

Exchange Theory Key Assumption: Exchange relationships develop within structures of interdependence between actors. In families, exchanges are usually generalized (not restricted). Key Assumption: Actors behave in ways that increase outcomes they positively value (rewards) and decrease outcomes they negatively value (costs) Exchange Theory

Exchange Theory Rewards And Costs Focus of the theory is on the give-and-take of “economic” transactions: PROFIT Rewards may be material or symbolic Costs may be punishments or foregone rewards The value of costs/rewards is subjective Exchange Theory

“Humans seek rewards and avoid costs” Exchange Resources (Rewards) Blau: Personal attraction, social acceptance, social approval, instrumental services, respect/prestige, and compliance/power Foa & Foa: Love, status, services, goods, information, and money Merton and Davis: Race and caste Gonzales & Meyers: Attractiveness, financial security, expressiveness, instrumentality, sincerity, and sex

Desired Personal Characteristics This is the usual trend discussed in the literature

Offered Personal Characteristics This is the usual trend discussed in the literature

Exchange Resources At Risk In Interracial Relationships What Str8 White Men Want Exchange Resources At Risk In Interracial Relationships Social Acceptance Social Approval Respect and Prestige Status Security Note the higher requirements for Black women

Exchange Theory Rewards And Costs Rational Decision-Making Focus of the theory is on the give-and-take of “economic” transactions: PROFIT Rewards may be material or symbolic Costs may be punishments or foregone rewards The value of costs/rewards is subjective Rational Decision-Making Rational doesn’t mean “unemotional” As with any “rational” choice, we don’t know the actual consequences Social Exchange And Power Bases of Power And Power Imbalances The Principle of Least Interest The Principle of Least Costs Comparison Levels (CL) For Alternatives (CLalt) Exchange Theory

Married Couples & Power

Heterosexual Cohabitation The EXCHANGE explanation? “Girlfriends” have other alternatives and relationship exits are easier Heterosexual Cohabitation Cohabiting Women STILL Do More Housework, But . . . They do less housework than married women. Boyfriends do more female -typed tasks than married men