In relationships, all members of the relationship contribute their time, effort, or possessions to maintain the relationship. By giving their time and effort, the person receives more or less, effort and time from the other person. Social exchange says that people will try to get the most out of a relationship and give the least possibly needed to maintain their position. This theory can be seen in action in many different relationships such as, mother and child (Mother …show more content…
Another perceived weakness is that the theory assumes people are selfish beings who have relationships to get more than what they give.
A strength of social exchange is the ability to see the world objectively. Seeing the world objectively provides an individual with the ability to see and gain the most benefits from a relationship, providing security for the individual. This theory, in addition, helps society see their values and needs in a relationship as well as others in the relationship. Understanding one’s values can help one improve themselves or protect themselves from an unequal relationship. In an imaginary classroom, an imaginary group is working on an imaginary project. All the group members but one would all contribute their efforts to get a high mark. The one lazy individual, “Mark” does not do much work but relies upon his team to carry his weight. Another member, “Hannah” is very diligently working and is providing much to her group. “Jason”, another group member, is working at a slow pace but is coordinating their group to work together while “Alice”, the fourth group member is working normally at a steady