Social Exchange Theory

Social Exchange Theory

The theory that will be used in this paper is the Social Exchange Theory. This theory deals with social exchanges within relationships that are fairly similar to exchanges described in economics. The theory assumes that self-interested actors who transact with other self-interested actors do so to accomplish individual goals that they cannot achieve alone. The actor/individual within the relationship each contains something of value to the other, therefore, the two decide whether to exchange and if so, in what amounts (Lawler & Thye, 1999).
The key concepts that are most common with the social exchange theory are: rewards, costs and reciprocity (Sprecher, 1998). Rewards are considered to be the positive and gratifying results (i.e., loyalty, happiness, attention) an individual feels after evaluating an exchange between their self and their partner. Costs on the other hand are viewed as the negatives or the losses (i.e., stress, time, energy) an...