Social exchange theory proposes that friendships are formed and maintained based
ID: 3452677 • Letter: S
Question
Social exchange theory proposes that friendships are formed and maintained based on a ratio of benefits to costs in the relationship. Pick five friends and list the rewards and benefits each of you gets from the relationship. These benefits each of you derives can be the same – for example, you both have someone to discuss your favorite sports team with – or different – one of you might pay for the food while the other drives. Then, list the costs each of you incurs in the relationship – one of you might be better in school, while one of you is better in sports, for example.
Explanation / Answer
Social exchange theory propeses that social behavior is the result of an exchange process. Most relationships are made up of a certain amount of give-take. But this does not mean that they are always equal.
Social exchange theory suggests that we essentially take the benefits and substraction the costs in order to determine how much a relationship is worth.
The benefits are things that we get out of the relationship such as fun, friendship, companionship, and social support. Sometimes, we have some friends who always has to borrow money from usz then this would be seen as high cost.
Friend1. Friend one used buy meals whenever we go out and in return I always bear the expenses of our travelling.
Friend 2. Friend 2 has always buy popcorn, soft drinks on a movie date, where as I buy the tickets.
Friend 3. Friend 3 always plan outings and we used devide the expenses.
Friend 4. Friend 4 always gifts something very expensive on my birthday and I used give her treat
Friend5. Friend 5 always invites in to her house and offer delicious food and in return I help her in studies.
For me in this give and take relationship/friendship no one is benefiting the other rather we both are equal. It's very difficult to calculate the contributions of my friends in my life. Sometimes I spent more money on them but in return I get fun, friendship companionship and support from them.