Social exchange theory
Overview
Social exchange theory is a social psychological and sociological perspective that explains social change and stability as a process of negotiated exchanges between parties. Social exchange theory posits that all human relationship
s are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives. The theory has roots in economics
, psychology and sociology.
Social exchange theory features many of the main assumptions found in rational choice theory
and structuralism
.
·Costs are the elements of relational life that have negative value to a person, such as the effort put into a relationship and the negatives of a partner.
(Costs can be time, money, effort etc.)
·Rewards are the elements of a relationship that have positive value.
(Rewards can be sense of acceptance, support, and companionship etc.)
The Social Exchange perspective argues that people calculate the overall worth of a particular relationship by subtracting its costs from the rewards it provides.
Interpersonal relationship
An interpersonal relationship is an association between two or more people that may range from fleeting to enduring. This association may be based on limerence, love, solidarity, regular business interactions, or some other type of social commitment. Interpersonal relationships are formed in the...
s are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives. The theory has roots in economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
, psychology and sociology.
Social exchange theory features many of the main assumptions found in rational choice theory
Rational choice theory
Rational choice theory, also known as choice theory or rational action theory, is a framework for understanding and often formally modeling social and economic behavior. It is the main theoretical paradigm in the currently-dominant school of microeconomics...
and structuralism
Structuralism
Structuralism originated in the structural linguistics of Ferdinand de Saussure and the subsequent Prague and Moscow schools of linguistics. Just as structural linguistics was facing serious challenges from the likes of Noam Chomsky and thus fading in importance in linguistics, structuralism...
.
·Costs are the elements of relational life that have negative value to a person, such as the effort put into a relationship and the negatives of a partner.
(Costs can be time, money, effort etc.)
·Rewards are the elements of a relationship that have positive value.
(Rewards can be sense of acceptance, support, and companionship etc.)
The Social Exchange perspective argues that people calculate the overall worth of a particular relationship by subtracting its costs from the rewards it provides.
Unanswered Questions
