What is social exchange theory?
Social exchange theory is a concept based on the idea that social behavior is the result of an exchange process. According to this theory, people weigh the potential benefits and risks of social relationships. If the risks outweigh the rewards, they will end or abandon the relationship. The purpose of this exchange is to maximize profits and minimize costs.
Most relationships consist of some degree of give and take, but that doesn’t mean they’re always equal. Social interaction suggests that we decide whether to continue a social relationship by evaluating the benefits and costs of each relationship.
This social interaction theory is used in a variety of fields, including sociology, psychology, and even economics.
One of the most basic examples of social exchange theory is being asked out on a date. If you feel that the benefits of going on a date outweigh the costs (more benefits than drawbacks), you’ll likely say yes. On the other hand, if the costs outweigh the benefits (there are more drawbacks than benefits), you’ll probably say no.
history
The concept of “social action as exchange” was first identified by American sociologist George C. Homans in 1958. Homans was a pioneer in behavioral sociology and held several positions during his career, including serving as president of the American Sociological Association (1963-1964) and dean of Harvard University’s sociology department (1970-1975). played a prominent role.
Mr. Homans is known to be quite down-to-earth. For example, although he is a sociologist himself, if asked, he would say, “Most sociological theorists are idiots.”
Other individuals who contributed to the development of Homans’ social exchange theory, albeit in different forms, included John Thibault, Harold Kelly, and Peter Blau. Thibault and Kelly were both social psychologists, and Blau was a sociologist and theorist.
While Homans approached the study of social interaction by starting with groups and working up to individuals, Thibault and Kelly started with individuals and worked their way up to groups. Blau disagreed with either of these approaches, instead warning that aspects of social interaction should not be blinded by psychology.
What are the key concepts of social exchange theory?
To truly understand social exchange theory, you need to be aware of the aspects on which it is based.
costs and benefits
According to social exchange theory, we essentially determine the value of a relationship by subtracting the costs from the benefits.
- cost This includes things that may seem negative, such as having to invest money, time, and effort into a relationship. For example, if you have a friend who always borrows money from you and never pays it back, this may be considered a high cost.
- advantage It’s what you get out of the relationship: fun, friendship, companionship, and social support. Your friend may be a bit of a freeloader, but they can bring a lot of fun and excitement to your life. In determining the value of a friendship, you may decide that the benefits outweigh the potential costs.
A positive relationship is one where the benefits outweigh the costs. A negative relationship occurs when costs are greater than benefits.
Expected value and comparison level
Cost-benefit analysis plays an important role in the social interaction process, but so do expectations. When people weigh benefits and costs, they establish a level of comparison that is often influenced by past experience.
For example, if your previous relationship gave you plenty of expressions of affection, your comparative level of affection in your next relationship will likely be much higher. If your next romantic partner tends to be more reserved and less emotional, that person may not live up to your expectations.
If a person has not always had good friendships, their comparison level at the beginning of the relationship will be lower than someone who has always had supportive and caring friends.
Expectations can also show up in work relationships. Research shows that there is an “expectation of reciprocity” between management and staff in the workplace. If employees don’t feel like their efforts are being rewarded by upper management, it can affect their work.
The influence of social exchange theory on human relationships
The idea that relationships are based on exchange can influence how we relate to others.
honeymoon period
The length of a friendship or relationship can influence the process of social interaction. The early weeks or months of a relationship, often referred to as the “honeymoon period,” are when people are more likely to neglect the balance of social interactions.
Potential benefits are often exaggerated while what are considered to be high costs are typically ignored, ignored, or minimized. When this honeymoon period finally comes to an end, exchange balances are often evaluated in stages.
At this point, the disadvantages become more obvious and the advantages begin to seem more realistic. This rebalancing of exchange rates can lead to the termination of the relationship if the balance tilts too far to the negative side.
Evaluation of alternatives
Another aspect of the social interaction process involves considering possible alternatives. After analyzing the costs and benefits and weighing them against your comparison level, you may start looking at other options.
Although this relationship may not have reached a comparative level, investigating a potential alternative may determine that it is still better than others available. As a result, they may reevaluate the relationship based on a somewhat lower level of comparison.
Equity determines health
Social exchange theory is based on give and take, so if this interaction is not seen as fair, it can affect the health of the relationship. Those who give to the Lord may be resentful, while those who receive from the Lord may be filled with guilt.
If you only have one or two interactions like this, it won’t affect your relationship. However, if it becomes a pattern, resentment and guilt can begin to build, leading to points of contention between the two parties.
FAQ
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What is social exchange theory in communication?According to the communication theory of social exchange, people communicate with others with the expectation that their communication will be returned equally. For example, if you reach out to someone at a networking event, you might assume that they will respond with the same drive and enthusiasm.
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How does altruism fit into social exchange theory?Being altruistic usually means giving without expecting anything in return, which contradicts the basics of social exchange. However, research has shown that there are two types of altruism: true altruism and reciprocal altruism. True altruists give just for the sake of giving, while reciprocators give with the expectation of getting something in return.
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How does social exchange theory affect racism?Some have suggested that because social exchange theory was built on the white middle class, it ignores the realities of other racial groups. This helps form the basis of systemic racism, forcing other races to deal with a system that doesn’t take into account their cultural differences and is judged negatively because of their differences. It will be.