Social exchange theory

The exchange theory (exchange theory ) refers to the explanation of behavior in social relations on the basis of rewards and costs incurred in the interaction of two or more interaction partners. There are different versions of exchange theory. The bestausgearbeitete was presented by John W. Thibaut and Harold H. Kelley. Especially in the sociology and economics of the approach of George C. Homans (1961 ) is observed (see Fischer & Wiswede, 2009).

Interdependence

For the analysis of costs and rewards is the distinction between self gezeigtem behavior and conduct of other important, as is, for example, noisy exuberance for a celebration positive, but negative for the neighbors. Interdependence means that the costs and rewards of a party at least partly depend on the behavior of the other party and vice versa ( interdependence ). For an existing interdependence (eg between neighbors) arises the problem of coordination among the people involved with the aim to achieve the highest possible rewards and avoid costs ( conflict of interest ). In addition to consideration and their own interests, there is also the possibility to seek a compromise (eg, the neighbors agree that they mutually tolerate occasional loud celebrations).

Subjective evaluation of the costs and rewards

Costs and rewards go as subjective evaluations in the exchange theory. Not objective difficulties or advantages, but their subjective evaluations determine whether a social relationship is considered to be rewarding or not. The exchange theory rests on the assumption that people behave rationally in social relations and the action alternative prefer, which would yield the best consequences (game theory ). Costs ( K) and rewards (B ) can be combined for the purpose of simplification on a common scale of the goodness of consequences, in addition to the loss of rewards ( Balt ), which would have been in other relationships available, and saved costs (cold ), they would in other respects, can be considered:

Goodness of the consequences = B - K - Balt Cold

The goodness of the consequences is high when rewards and saved costs high, and costs and foregone rewards are low. If a person can choose between several alternative courses of action, they will probably prefer the alternative, in which the goodness of the consequences is the highest.

Implications of the exchange theory for staying in relationships

Two other concepts of exchange theory are comparative level for alternatives ( Clalt ) and the comparison level (CL). The comparison level for alternatives, which can be interpreted as the difference between loss of rewards and costs saved, specifies the standard by which a person is oriented to decide her stay in the relationship or leaving the relationship. By contrast, the comparison level refers to the expectations of the amount of rewards and costs in a relationship because of previous experience with similar relationships and experiences in terms of observed groups. Experiences that have arisen in relatively dissimilar situations in the past are, in assessing the comparative levels less weight than experiences that have arisen in relatively similar situations. If the consequences in the present relationship with the CL, they will be evaluated positively, they are, however, under the CL, the result is an unfavorable rating. The comparison level for alternatives influences the social dependence and continued participation in the relationship, the comparative level of satisfaction.

The exchange theory thus includes the prediction that a romantic relationship is maintained even if dissatisfaction prevails. This should be the case if the expected consequences in alternative relationships are among those who are perceived in the current relationship.

Development of exchange theory to social interdependence theory

The replacement theory has been developed as a social interdependence ( Kelley et al., 2003). This involves the distinction between the effective and the matrix of the given matrix. While the latter includes the consequences that match the self-interest, is the former transformed consequences represents the transformation is based on the influence of social motives. This concerns for example the maximization of mutual gain ( cooperation) and to maximize the distance between themselves and the partner to their own benefit (competition). On the other hand corresponds to the given matrix of individual assessment of the consequences that ignores the consequences of the partner. The interdependence leads the assessment of interaction on social and individual factors back.

Fields of application

The exchange theory is represented in social psychology, sociology, economics and anthropology. An application on close relationships, which was already anticipated by Thibaut & Kelley ( 1959), moreover, can be found in the investment model of close relationships.