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Lecture slides for social exchange theory covering history
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Definition
social exchange theory is a social psychological and sociological perspective that explains social exchange and stability as a process of negotiated exchanges between parties.
theory posits that human relationships are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analyses and the comparison of alternatives
Homans summarized the system of social exchange theory into three propositions
To help people understand relationships well; why some relationships work while others fail.
To explain why we choose to start and continue only certain relationships.
To explain communication and interaction, as well as the factors governing interaction in humans.
The first major publication regarding Social Exchange Theory, entitled “The Social Psychology of Groups,” was published by John Thibault and Harold Kelley in 1952. The theory was later refined in the laboratory by two sociologists at University of Washington named Richard Emerson and Karen Cook. This work started in 1978 and continued throughout the 1980s.
Example
Katherine Miller poses many objections to Social Exchange Theory in her 2005 publication. She says Social Exchange Theory assumes that the intimacy achieved in relationships is linear in nature, despite many relationships skipping traditional steps or regressing.
Social exchange theory enhances interpersonal communication as it develops from shallow relations to intimate relationships. Persons are not only aware of what is around them but also aware of their awareness.
This theory implicates that human beings are aware of each other’s concerns and needs thus this enhances effective communication amongst people.