Discussion: Social Exchange Theory

As written in our textbook,  “Social exchange theoryessentially entails a weighing of the costs and rewards in a given relationship. Rewards are outcomes that we get from a relationship that benefit us in some way, while costs range from granting favors to providing emotional support.”

1.  Identify two (2) personal relationships  (remember these relationships meet emotional, relational, and instrumental needs, as they are intimate, close, and interdependent relationships such as those we have with best friends, partners, or immediate family)

2. Write a few sentences describing the first relationship (without using names).

3.  Write three (3)  paragraphs about this relationship explaining  the costs, rewards, interdependence, and commitment.  Be sure to include:

Material Rewards
Time Rewards
Health Rewards
Emotional Rewards

Material Costs
Time Costs
Health Costs
Emotional Costs

4.  Write a few sentences describing the second relationship (without using names).

5. Write three (3)  paragraphs about this relationship explaining  the costs and rewards (listed above), interdependence, and commitment.