Social exchange theory is a comprehensive social psychological perspective that tries to describe how human social bonds form, maintain, as well as terminate. How individuals feel about a particular encounter or connection is largely determined by the outcomes they believe are linked with it, is the theory’s primary concept. More precisely, how an individual views interaction is determined by the perceived costs and advantages that come with them. However, if perceived costs or advantages rise, the person’s pleasure with the relationship will fall, and he or she will be more ready to quit it.
In any given social interaction, individuals want to maximize rewards while minimizing costs, according to social exchange theory. Anything material or intangible which an individual finds valuable might be used as a reward. Because what is rewarding for one individual may not be as satisfying for another, the assessment of costs as well as benefits is very subjective. The amount of satisfaction with a relationship is determined by the result comparison level. An individual can compare the results of his or her current relationship to those of a previous relationship of a comparable type. A person may feel unsatisfied and less willing to attempt to improve the connection if present results do not meet his or her expectations.
The individual conduct of actors in interaction with one another was the main focus for Homans. Nothing that occurs in social organizations, Homans maintained, could not be explained by premises about individuals as individuals. Homans defined social exchange as the interchange of action between at least two people, whether material or intangible, rewarding or costly. Emerson constructed a psychological basis for trading. Homans used the notion of payoff-payoff interactions to explain the durability of trading relationships.
Homans explains social interaction by demonstrating how the actions of A support the actions of B. The failure of reinforcement could lead to the end of a relationship. The historical and structural conditions were assumed to be in place. Variations in perceived costs and benefits may influence changes in relationship outcomes. Certain factors, for example, may become less rewarding or more expensive with time. People’s opinions of relationship outcomes are influenced by whether or not the transactions that take place are seen as fair. To avoid conflict between relationship partners, equitable or fair transactions are required.
While the theory might help individuals take a comprehensive look at relationships, there are many things to consider while deciding whether or not to stay in it. Individuals that do not seek for the maximum profit in a connection or who continue partnerships with a net cost to themselves are not taken into consideration by social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, individuals should return benefits received in a partnership. Altruism role in affecting relationship results is not addressed in the theory. This is due to the fact that individuals may not always act in their own best interests. Individuals equate their relationships to those of others in social exchange theory. If one does not have a healthy relationship to compare to, they are more likely to pursue unhealthy or dangerous partnerships. The purpose of comparison is to assist a person in determining when they are receiving enough net benefit.
References
Shaw, M. E., & Costanzo, P. R. (n.d.). Social Exchange Theory – Psikologi – UI. StuDocu. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.studocu.com/en-us/document/universitas-indonesia/psikologi/social-exchange-theory/5807892?shared=1
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