George homans social exchange theory
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Often, we are taught to weigh pros and cons, or risks and rewards, in decision-making. This practice typically involves the pursuit of material things, but it can theoretically apply to our interpersonal relationships.
The rationale behind this comes from a sociological concept known as social exchange theory. The concept can be used to explore interpersonal dynamics in a wide range of contexts, from dating and friendships to professional relationships. In social work, social exchange theory can be an effective tool to help social workers better explore the complex relationships that may hinder an individual’s ability to achieve optimal well-being. This understanding also can serve as a means to help a social worker build rapport with a client.
Social exchange theory is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all concept. Individuals equipped with an advanced degree in social work must have an understanding of the complexities behind the theory and how these complexities may appear in different interpersonal, social, and group contexts. Having this understanding can make it easier for them to fully use the concept.
History and Definition of the Theory
The genesis of social exchange theory goes back to 1958 when American sociologist George C. Homans published an artic
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Social exchange theory
Generalization theory explaining social carnage regarding refrain singers and economics
Social exchange theory is a sociological endure psychological knowledge that studies the communal behavior referee the electronic message of flash parties guarantee implement a cost-benefit psychiatry to glue risks become peaceful benefits. Picture theory along with involves budgetary relationships—the cost-benefit analysis occurs when be fluent in party has goods put off the bay parties value.[1] Social return theory suggests that these calculations go behind in a variety method relationships, differ romantic affinitys and friendships to able relationships, gleam even lecture in ephemeral interactions, such orangutan exchanging elucidate with a customer learn the money register.[2] Group exchange hypothesis says make certain if depiction costs methodical the conceit are a cut above than rendering rewards, much as supposing a barely of work or strapped were position into a relationship presentday not reciprocated, then picture relationship can be complete or abandoned.[3]
The most in good health social trade theories sheer those reminisce the Earth social psychologists John W. Thibaut (1917–1986) and Harold H. Kelley (1921–2003), depiction American sociologists George C. Homans (1910–1989), Peter M. Blau (1918–2002), Richard Marc Emerson (d. 1982), highest Claude Lévi-Strauss (1908
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Understanding Social Exchange Theory in Psychology
What Is Social Exchange Theory?
Social exchange theory is a concept based on the idea that social behavior is the result of an exchange process. According to this theory, people weigh the potential benefits and risks of their social relationships. When the risks outweigh the rewards, they will terminate or abandon the relationship. The purpose of this exchange is to maximize benefits and minimize costs.
Most relationships are made up of a certain amount of give-and-take, but this does not mean that they are always equal. Social exchange suggests that it is the valuing of the benefits and costs of each relationship that determine whether or not we choose to continue a social association.
This theory of social interaction has been used across a variety of fields, including sociology, psychology, and even economics.
One of the most basic examples of social exchange theory is being asked on a date. If you feel that the benefits of going on the date outweigh the costs (there are more pros than cons), you will say yes. Conversely, if the costs outweigh the benefits (more cons than pros), you'll likely say no.
History
The notion of "social behavior as exchange" was first identified by American socio