GOOD

MORNING
CHRISTOPHER MEJIA, SMM
SOCIAL
EXCHANGE
THEORY
 SOCIAL
EXCHANGE
THEORY
proposes that social behavior is the result of
an exchange process. • The purpose of this
exchange is to maximize benefits and
minimize costs.
 is a social
psychological and
sociological

01 perspective that
explains social
change and stability
as a process of
negotiated
exchanges between
parties.
 George
Homans
human relationships are formed by
the use of a subjective cost-benefit
analysis and the comparison of
alternatives. Social exchange
theory views exchange as a social
behavior that may result in both
economic and social outcomes.
CONCEPTS
OF SOCIOLOGISTS
 1958
HOMANS
The fundamental difference between economic exchange
and social exchange theory is in the way actors are viewed.
• Exchange theory “views actors (person or firm) as dealing
not with another actor but with a market” •
 Individuals are constantly
trying to satisfy basic
needs • As behavioral
JAMES
interactions constantly
produce “payoffs”, certain
patterns of social
FRAZER
interactions are developed
• These patterns contribute
to social structures and
lead to power distribution
in social
groups/relationships.
Humans are selfish and only act for
the needs and desires of themselves BRONISLAW
•“Unhealthy” relationships are
often caused by an unbalanced
MALINOWSKI
costs and benefits •Individuals are
valued on their abilities and what
they can provide •Able to better
understand decision making within
families Assumptions made about
the theory
 COST
REWARDS Costs are the elements of relational
life that have negative value to a
person, such as the effort put into a
relationship and the negatives of a
partner. (Costs can be time, money,
effort etc.) • Rewards are the
elements of a relationship that have
positive value. (Rewards can be
sense of acceptance, support, and
companionship etc.)
 If worth is a positive
number, it is a positive
WORTH=REWARDS-
relationship. • If worth is a COSTS
negative number indicates
a negative relationship. •
The worth of a
relationship influences its
outcome, or whether
people will continue with
a relationship or terminate
it.
 STRENGTHS
PERMITS LOGICAL THINKING

ADOPTS BASIC ECONOMIC CONCEPTS

ASSUMES BEHAVIORAL APPROACH

ON RELATIONSHIPS
EASE OF IMPLEMENTING “SE” ON
FAMILY AFFAIRS
WEAKNESSES
LOGIC INDECISION MAKING

FAILS TO EXPLAIN UNSELFISHNESS

AND HUMAN ACTIONS

IGNORES RELATIONSHIPS PROGRESS

IGNORES PERSONAL PERCEPTIONS OF

REWARD AND MIGHT CONSIDERED
AS PUNISHMENT
IMPLEMEN-
TATION the theory occurs when
everyday people make
decisions to continue or
discontinue their
relationships with their
families, spouses and
friends. • It is assumed
that the nature of human
beings is self-centered.
IMPLEMEN-
TATION
When individuals make decisions they always consider
what is best for him/her to accomplish his/hers desires and
goals • On one hand it is possible that several personal
relationships exist on the basis of the social exchange
theory. • Many consider the rewards they might receive
from other comparing them to the costs they might endure
prior to their decision of making a decision to enter a
relationship. During family meals such as Thanksgiving,
 THANK YOU
VERY MUCH