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

2. 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

3. 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

4. “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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Married Couples & Power

10. 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