However the equity theory emphasises on the factor of equality or balance. Some theorists such as Hatfield, Utne and Traupmann brought this theory forth. Therefore this theory implies that one partner will leave when elements of a relationship becomes unbalanced. The equity theory is different from the exchange theory because there is a sense of fair rewards rather than an exchange of rewards. An inequitable relationship will therefore lack a sense of fairness, which is why this may cause dissatisfaction for the other partner.
Hatfield interviewed over five hundred students about equity in their relationships. His findings showed that the inequitable relationships were more likely to have ended after three months. Therefore relationships may end due to the fact that the marriage does not have a sense of equality, either partner may strive to restore balance but a breakdown of the relationship will occur if not.
These theories may explain the breakdown of relationships but they do not really show the processes that cause successful marriages to become unsuccessful. Lee’s stage model shows how relationships breakdown. He felt that the break up of a relationship is a process over a period of time and that there are five stages to it: The dissatisfaction, Exposure, negotiation, resolution attempt and termination phases. Explain further These stages explain how the stages contribute towards the break up of a relationship that, neither the exchange or equity theory does.
However the exchange theory can be supported by Rubults research study. His findings showed that satisfaction, comparison and investment contributed to commitment and break up. High satisfaction and investment were important in committed relationships while existence of an attractive alternative played a role in a deciding to end a relationship.
The exchange theory gives a mechanistic approach to the breakdown of relationships. In reality it is very difficult to define rewards and costs precisely therefore it treats humans like mechanical machines who wants his/her relationship to be full of rewards and nothing else. Argyle explains that the exchange theories experiments are very artificial and have little ecological validity, which is why the data may not be very reliable. The main research used is the survey or interview method therefore the data may be full of subjective material that may not be necessarily true.
Buunk and van Yperen found that individuals low in exchange orientation do not bother about the equity of the relationship, which shows that equity on its own may not result to the breakdown of a relationship. The equity theory may also not be a norm for al cultures therefore it is in a sense very ethnocentric and cannot be applied to the variations of cultures. Furthermore the exchange theory cannot be applied to all cultures as well. Why? Because research suggests that non-western cultures have more communal relationships therefore they do not believe in exchange of rewards in a relationship. Thus it is as expected that the exchange theory of the breakdown of relationships cannot be applied to all cultures.
Overall these theories do give insights into the breakdown of relationships in an individualist society but not in a collectivist society therefore the theories are not universal.
