Chapter 10, Problem 7TY

Summary Introduction

Introduction

Equity theory refers to the idea that both people in a relationship desire for that relationship to be more or less equal. Within this construct, there are two primary types of relationships. Exchange relations are based on the idea of reciprocity. Favors need to be repaid and returned in kind. These are most often relationships between relatively new friends and acquaintances. On the other hand, communal relationships are those between people in long-term relationship. Lifelong friends and family members tend to care less about this reciprocity and are more interested in helping one another as the need arises.