Relationship Formation Theory
Relationships
Discuss theories of relationship formation
The sociobiological explanation is an evolutionary theory which perceives relationship formation as a form of ‘survival efficiency’, with different focus between genders. Males are not certain of paternity and produce lots of sperm, so their best strategy to further their genes is to have multiple partners. The explanation sees males looking for signs of fertility such as smooth skin, and sexual faithfulness as they do not want to waste resources bringing up another male’s child (cuckoldry).
On the other hand, females produce a small number of eggs, but are certain of maternity. Females seek to ensure that children are genetically strong and healthy by being selective in choosing partners …show more content…
Also, the theory can explain friendships, as people often like those who are reciprocal with their feelings, but it does not explain the intricacies of long-term romantic relationships. Furthermore, the theory has a fundamentally selfish view of people as only trying to satisfy their own needs. Many people have genuine concerns for the needs of others. Finally the explanation is deterministic, disregarding the role of free will in relationship formation as the rewards and needs satisfaction theory sees relationship formation as an unconscious process based on learned …show more content…
It perceives that over time people develop a predictable and mutually beneficial pattern of exchanges, assisting the maintenance of relationships. The first stage is sampling, where rewards and costs are assessed in a number of relationships. The next stage is bargaining, where a relationship is ‘costed out’ and sources of profit and loss are identified. The third stage is commitment, where relationship is established and maintained by a predictable exchange of rewards. The final stage is institutionalisation, where interactions are established and the couple ‘settle down’.
The social exchange theory is supported by Rusbult who, in 1983, found that the costs and rewards of relationships were compared to the costs and rewards of potential alternative relationships in order to decide whether the relationship should be maintained, supporting the social exchange model’s idea that people assess rewards by making comparisons.
Further support comes from Hatfield who, in 1979, looked at people who felt over-benefited or under-benefited. The under-benefited felt angry and deprived, while the over-benefited felt guilty and uncomfortable, supporting the theory by suggesting that regardless of whether individuals are benefited, they do not desire to maintain a relationship that is not
Discuss theories of relationship formation
The sociobiological explanation is an evolutionary theory which perceives relationship formation as a form of ‘survival efficiency’, with different focus between genders. Males are not certain of paternity and produce lots of sperm, so their best strategy to further their genes is to have multiple partners. The explanation sees males looking for signs of fertility such as smooth skin, and sexual faithfulness as they do not want to waste resources bringing up another male’s child (cuckoldry).
On the other hand, females produce a small number of eggs, but are certain of maternity. Females seek to ensure that children are genetically strong and healthy by being selective in choosing partners …show more content…
Also, the theory can explain friendships, as people often like those who are reciprocal with their feelings, but it does not explain the intricacies of long-term romantic relationships. Furthermore, the theory has a fundamentally selfish view of people as only trying to satisfy their own needs. Many people have genuine concerns for the needs of others. Finally the explanation is deterministic, disregarding the role of free will in relationship formation as the rewards and needs satisfaction theory sees relationship formation as an unconscious process based on learned …show more content…
It perceives that over time people develop a predictable and mutually beneficial pattern of exchanges, assisting the maintenance of relationships. The first stage is sampling, where rewards and costs are assessed in a number of relationships. The next stage is bargaining, where a relationship is ‘costed out’ and sources of profit and loss are identified. The third stage is commitment, where relationship is established and maintained by a predictable exchange of rewards. The final stage is institutionalisation, where interactions are established and the couple ‘settle down’.
The social exchange theory is supported by Rusbult who, in 1983, found that the costs and rewards of relationships were compared to the costs and rewards of potential alternative relationships in order to decide whether the relationship should be maintained, supporting the social exchange model’s idea that people assess rewards by making comparisons.
Further support comes from Hatfield who, in 1979, looked at people who felt over-benefited or under-benefited. The under-benefited felt angry and deprived, while the over-benefited felt guilty and uncomfortable, supporting the theory by suggesting that regardless of whether individuals are benefited, they do not desire to maintain a relationship that is not