![]() Finally, the theory assumes that people know that this “payoff” will vary from person to person, as well as with the same person over time. Another tenet is the assumption that a person begins an interaction to gain maximum profit with minimal cost - the individual is driven by “what’s in it for me?” A third assumption is that individuals tend to calculate the profit and cost before engaging. The first assumption is that humans tend to seek out rewards and avoid punishments. ![]() The foundation of social exchange theory rests on several core assumptions regarding human nature and the nature of relationships. Core Assumptions of Social Exchange Theory ![]() While the theory can be used to measure romantic relationships, it can also be applied to determine the balance within a friendship. Rather, its systematic processes rely on mathematics and logic to determine balance within a relationship. The theory is unique in the sense that it doesn’t necessarily measure relationships on emotional metrics. The measurement of the pluses and minuses of a relationship may produce data that can determine if someone is putting too much effort into a relationship. In other words, it’s a metric designed to determine the effort poured in by an individual in a person-to-person relationship. Social exchange theory is a concept based on the notion that a relationship between two people is created through a process of cost-benefit analysis. In the immediate years that followed, other studies expanded the parameters of Homans’ fundamental concepts. The genesis of social exchange theory goes back to 1958, when American sociologist George Homans published an article entitled “Social Behavior as Exchange.” Homans devised a framework built on a combination of behaviorism and basic economics. But how exactly does this theory work? History and Definition of the Theory In some cases, the words “pro” and “con” may be swapped out for “risk” and “reward.” While this practice typically contributes to whether one pursues something material, the sociological concept known as social exchange theory applies the same principles to person-to-person interaction in order to better understand relationship dynamics.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |