Outline/evaluate two theories which relate to maintenance and/or breakdown of relationships
...an the comparison level. However the equity theory emphasises on the factor of equality or balance. Hatfield helped bring about this theory. Therefore this theory states that one partner will leave when parts of a relationship becomes unbalanced. The equity theory is different from the social exchange theory because there is a sense of fair rewards rather than an exchange of rewards. An inequitable relationship will therefore lack a sense of fairness, which is why this may cause dissatisfaction for the other partner. Hatfield interviewed over five hundred students about equity in their relationships. He found that the inequitable relationships were more likely break up after three months. This means relationships might end due to the fact that the marriage does not have a sense of equality, either partner might want to restore balance but a breakdown of the relationship will happen if not. The social exchange theory can be supported by Rubults research study. His findings showed that satisfaction, comparison and investment contributed to commitment and break up. High satisfaction and investment were important in committed relationships But a more attractive potential partner could help to end the relationship. The social exchange theory is not very realistic or true to everyday life. Argyle showed that the exchange theories experiments...