Social Exchange TheoryBy: Simone, Joshua, Claire,

Alexa

What is This Theory? The social exchange theory is a

psychological theory that attempts to explain the social factors that influence how individuals interact within relationships.

This Theory Focuses on: Direct application of the family unit Based on economic aspects (net profit) Rewards benefit The qualities of the other person in the

relationship. (What a person brings to the relationship) positive and negative. (sense of humour, intelligence, honour, athletic identity.)

The outcome of the interaction between the two people in the relationship

The sense of sharing or degree of support received from the other

Social Exchange Theorists They are specialists that study the

social exchange theory Explain that individuals are

constrained by role expectations, each works within that role to provide the most beneficial outcome for both partners

Where the theory comes from

It is a psychological theory Has roots in economics and sociology Originally formed to explain

individuals decisions in economic activities

History of the Family: . Once a relationship has been evaluated by

the criteria, it is then considered with the respect to a person’s expectations or satisfaction from the relationship. Expectations may be derived from the level of expectations that prevails in society.

In rural communities this will be higher because of the traditions of neighbourliness where as in a large community there is less interaction between neighbours.

Child Abuse/ Domestic Abuse: Skolnick and Skolnick (1977) have stated

that ‘family violence seems to be a product of psychological tensions and external stresses affecting all families at all social levels.’

A person who grew up in an ethnic community where everyone hugged/kissed would have different expectations of how a affection is shown from a house where the family background demonstrates low affection.

Human Sexuality : General social exchange theories

have been applied to five topics that focus on sexuality within a relational context: (a) partner selection, (b) onset of sexual activity, (c) sexual satisfaction, (d) sexual initiation and refusal, and (e) sexual behaviour.

The Role of Women in the Family:

The role of women in a family has changed over the past hundred years, but despite the changing of the role of women in the family, women still maintain that role of primary responsibility for the care of children and household.

This responsibility for the home and child will most likely remain maintained regardless of whether the working woman is married or single.

Adolescent Behaviour and Legalizing Marajuana:

Deviant behaviour in teens can be directly linked to the use of drugs such as : alcohol or marijuana.

Many researches have shown that the legalization of marijuana would increase the percentage of deviant behaviour in teens.

The use of drugs increases risk-taking behaviour in adolescents.

Bibliography: http://www.jstor.org/pss/2094592 http://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpap

er/1709279.html

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a918493341

http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/social_exchange.htm