Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory explains social relationships as exchanges in which people assess perceived rewards and costs against available alternatives.

Social exchange: A social interaction in which people exchange resources, services, or support. The theory models relationships as ongoing exchanges of valued resources.
George C. Homans: An American sociologist who developed an exchange-based account of social behavior. His work made rewards, costs, and reinforcement central to social exchange theory.
Interpersonal relationships: Connections between people that involve interaction, emotion, or mutual influence. The theory is often applied to how people evaluate and maintain these relationships.
Equity theory: A theory that links perceived fairness in exchanges to satisfaction and behavior. Unlike simple reward-cost accounting, it emphasizes proportional fairness between partners.
Comparison level: A standard of expected outcomes used to evaluate the rewards and costs of a relationship. It explains how expectations shape judgments of relationship satisfaction.
Peter M. Blau: An American sociologist known for analyzing social exchange, power, and social structure. He connected interpersonal exchanges to larger social structures and institutions.
Relationship satisfaction: A person's overall evaluation of the quality and outcomes of a relationship. Perceived rewards relative to expectations help explain satisfaction.
Communal relationship: A relationship in which people respond to one another's needs without tracking immediate repayment. It contrasts with exchange relationships that emphasize balanced returns.
Comparison level for alternatives: A standard based on the outcomes available from alternatives to a current relationship. It helps explain commitment even when a relationship is unsatisfying.
Richard Emerson: An American sociologist who developed exchange theory around power and dependence in relationships. His framework explains how unequal dependence produces power within exchanges.

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