Interdependence
Social Exchange
Premise: We seek interactions with others that provide maximum reward at minimum cost and we only stay with those who provide sufficient profit.
People want the best possible outcome Interdependence Theory (Thibaut & Kelley)
Social Exchange: Rewards & Costs
Rewards- anything within an interaction that is desirable and welcome and that brings enjoyment or fulfillment to the recipient
Costs- punishing, undesirable experiences Outcome- describes the net profit or loss a
person encounters, all things considered Outcome=Rewards-Costs
What Do We Expect From Our Relationships?
What Do We Expect from Our Relationships Comparison level (CL)- the value of the outcomes
that we believe we deserve in our dealings with othersBased on past experience People with past rewarding relationships are likely to
have high CLs or expect more in current relatioshipsOur CLs are the standards by which our satisfaction in a
relationship is measure
What Do We Expect From Our Relationships?
What Do We Expect from Our Relationships II.Happiness will depend on the extent to which
outcomes surpass your expectations
Outcomes > CL = happy
Outcomes < CL= unhappyOr
Outcomes-CL=Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction
How Well Could We Do Elsewhere?
Satisfaction is not the only factor that determines how long a relationship lasts Comparison Level for Alternatives (Clalt)
The outcome we could receive by leaving our current relationship and moving to the best alternative partnership or situation we have available
Clalt = lowest level of outcome we will tolerate from our present partner
Clalt determines our relationship dependence
How Well Could We Do Elsewhere?
Clalt can be considered a global outcome thus if a person can be happy and yet end the relationship if the Clalt is better.
Clalt is what a person thinks it is (perception of self-worth or other situation are their reality)
Your situation may not provide alternatives Spouses who divorce are usually unhappy for a long
time prior to the divorce. They finally do so when new and better alternatives come along.
Four Types of Relationships
CL and Clalt as Time Goes By
If perfect relationship then CL goes up and you now expect more yet your outcomes remain the same Take it for granted
American Culture Provides a High CL Women’s rights has increased Clalt
Now more unhappy and unstable relationships
Economies of Relationships
On any given day 44% are likely to be annoyed by a lover or friend
Intimacy and Interdependence often give people permission to be impolite instead of courteous and considerate
Bad is Stronger Than Good Rewards-to-Cost ration of at least 5-to-1
(Gotman) Love Languages
Average Marriage Trajectory
Rewards and Costs as Time Goes By
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