
Social exchange and aging is defined as the change and stability of exchanges among individ- uals across the lifespan. Introduction. Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior and interactions among individuals are a result of an exchange process.
What is the theory of social exchange?
Social exchange theory is a sociological and psychological theory that studies the social behavior in the interaction of two parties that implement a cost-benefit analysis to determine risks and benefits. The theory also involves economic relationships—the cost-benefit analysis occurs when each party has goods that the other parties value.
What is exchange theory in sociology?
Understanding Social Exchange Theory
- Overview. Central to the social exchange theory is the idea that an interaction that elicits approval from another person is more likely to be repeated than an interaction that elicits ...
- Example. ...
- Basic Assumptions of Social Exchange Theory. ...
- Critiques. ...
- Sources and Further Reading. ...
What is the definition of social exchange theory?
Social exchange theory is a two-sided process involving two actions – one is to give and the other is to get something in return. Many psychologists consider the social exchange theory as highly individualistic. According to this theory the individual measures all social interactions against personal gains that he achieves.
What is a social exchange model?
Social exchange theory suggests that we essentially take the benefits of a relationship and subtract the costs in order to determine how much it is worth. Costs involve things that you see as negatives, such as having to put money, time, and effort into a relationship.

What is social exchange theory example?
A simple example of social exchange theory can be seen in the interaction of asking someone out on a date. If the person says yes, you have gained a reward and are likely to repeat the interaction by asking that person out again, or by asking someone else out.
What is the main idea of 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. According to this theory, people weigh the potential benefits and risks of their social relationships.
What is the meaning of social exchange?
Social exchange theory is a two-sided process involving two actions – one is to give and the other is to get something in return. Many psychologists consider the social exchange theory as highly individualistic.
What are the three main components of social exchange theory?
It actually suggests that we feel positively or negatively about our relationships because of a combination of three factors: Cost-benefit analysis. Comparison level. Comparison level of alternatives.
How does social exchange theory influence the approach to care in the course of aging?
Aging as a Social Exchange Process He argued that as people age, the ratio of rewards to costs associated with social interactions might shift based on social status (e.g., being an elder) and personal resources (e.g., money, power, the ability to work or provide care to others).
What is the social exchange theory quizlet?
Social Exchange theory looks at the economics of relationships; how people evaluate the costs and rewards of their current relationships. SET: 'Costs' & 'Rewards' -Costs: the negative aspects of a relationship such as: time invested, stress, energy, attention*
On which model is the social exchange theory based?
Homans based his theory on behaviorism to conclude that people pursue rewards to minimize costs. The "satisfactory-ness" of the rewards that a party gains from an exchange relationship is judged relative to some standard, which may vary from party to party.
What is the social exchange theory quizlet?
Social Exchange theory looks at the economics of relationships; how people evaluate the costs and rewards of their current relationships. SET: 'Costs' & 'Rewards' -Costs: the negative aspects of a relationship such as: time invested, stress, energy, attention*
How does the social exchange theory view family?
In families, a social exchange perspective argues that family relationships become inter- dependent, or interactional. In this respect, power becomes characteristic of the relationship dyad and understanding family relationships includes assessing the power that is held among the actors in those relationships.
Who proposed social exchange theory?
Exchange: Social Social exchange theory is one of the major theories of social interaction in the social sciences. Homans, Blau, and Emerson were the key theorists who developed the original theories of social exchange.
What is exchange theory in economics?
Economic exchange theory suggests that if the perceived benefits are equal to or exceed the perceived costs, then the sampled respondent will be positively disposed to participating because she or he will perceive that she or he is being treated equitably by the researchers.
Definition
Social exchange and aging is defined as the change and stability of exchanges among individuals across the lifespan.
Introduction
Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior and interactions among individuals are a result of an exchange process. This perspective suggests that the relationship between individuals is generated by the pursuit of rewards and benefits and the avoidance of costs and punishment.
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
What are the benefits of friendship?
The benefits are things that you get out of the relationship such as fun, friendship, companionship, and social support. Your friend might be a bit of a freeloader, but bring a lot of fun and excitement to your life. As you are determining the value of the friendship, you might decide that the benefits outweigh the potential costs. ...
What is cost benefit analysis?
Cost-benefit analysis plays a major role in the social exchange process, but so do expectations. As people weigh benefits against the costs, they do so by establishing a comparison level that is often influenced by past experiences.
What is the honeymoon phase?
The Honeymoon Phase. The length of a friendship or romance can also play a role in the social exchange process. During the early weeks or months of a relationship, often referred to as the "honeymoon phase," people are more likely to ignore the social exchange balance.
What is social exchange theory?
on February 22, 2020. Caiaimage/Sam Edwards/Getty Images. 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. According to this theory, developed by sociologist George Homans, people weigh the potential benefits and risks ...
Who is Amy Morin?
Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. Learn about our Review Board. Amy Morin, LCSW. on February 22, 2020.
Who is Kendra Cherry?
The Social Exchange Theory in Relationships. Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host ...
Is social exchange always equal?
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.
What is social theory of aging?
Social theories of aging are expected progressions from midlife to older life based on social factors. The social theories attempt to explain how certain people age well.
What is the process of individuals withdrawing and isolating from prior social interactions due to age?
The primary three are: Disengagement theory , which is the process of individuals withdrawing and isolating from prior social interactions due to age. The activity theory, which is when the need to remain involved continues into older life, but the meaning and focus changes.
What is the social clock?
Social Clock. The social clock is an expectation of behavior occurring at a particular time based on social norms. This should not be confused with the biological clock, which has to do with internal wants. Social clocks have to do with what is expected of you.
Why is it important to know about the 1950s?
This is important, because in the time since the 1950s there has been an explosion of elderly activity. Work in the 1950s was often very hard on the body and the medical care was not what we're used to today.
What is Devin's PhD?
Devin has taught psychology and has a master's degree in clinical forensic psychology. He is working on his PhD. This lesson explores the idea of how social interactions can differentiate how a person ages. Included is the progression of theories, and why they have changed over time. Create an account.
What is the basis of activity theory?
The basis of the activity theory is that the need to remain involved in activities continues into older life, but the meaning and the focus changes. Older people have the same wants, needs, and motivations as their middle-life counterparts. To say that you cross an imaginary threshold and now suddenly you're a different person doesn't really make sense.
Will the social clock change in the future?
In the future, the social clock and expectations may change as the elderly continue to live longer and maintain better health. Things such as retirement could take on a new meaning. Social theories of aging are expected progressions from midlife to older life based on social factors.
What is the theory of a relationship?
1. It is a scientific theory. It explains that individuals minimize their costs and maximizes their rewards within a relationship. It tells one how to sustain and keep relationships. It is a timely and systematic approach. The theory is almost applicable in all situations.
What is social exchange theory?
Social exchange theory basically explains the behavior of people while exchanging something. It is the study of human behavior according to the situations. There are various basic concepts of this theory are as follows:
What are the two main properties of social exchange?
George Homans in 1958, created the social exchange theory. There are basically two main fundamental properties – the one is self-interest and the other is interdependence. Whenever there occurs an exchange between two parties, then an individual is looking out for their own economic and psychological needs or benefits. They want to satisfy themselves that their needs are being fulfilled. And when there is any social exchange, then there is some sort of interdependence on one another. Two parties are mutually dependent on one another for any kind of social exchange. If this dependence provides a positive outcome then the relationship will be held in good terms and will be continued and if in case the outcome is negative, the two parties won’t work together.
How to predict behavior?
The basic formula for predicting behavior: Behaviour (profit) = reward of interaction – cost of interaction.
What was Blau's work influenced by?
Blau’s work was very much influenced by that of Homans. His focus was merely future-oriented. He was the one to motivate theorists to look forward. He thought if people will think too much about the returns that they will be getting as a reward then they won’t be able to learn the developing aspects of the social exchange.
When there is social exchange, is there interdependence?
And when there is any social exchange, then there is some sort of interdependence on one another. Two parties are mutually dependent on one another for any kind of social exchange. If this dependence provides a positive outcome then the relationship will be held in good terms and will be continued and if in case the outcome is negative, ...
Is the theory of relationship theory applicable?
The theory is almost applicable in all situations. It helps us to understand that when we give something in any relationship then we expect something in return to maintain the relationship. The theory is fairly simple, allowing most people to understand its general assumptions and relate to them.
What is the cross linking theory of aging?
In this theory it is the binding of glucose (simple sugars) to protein, (a process that occurs under the presence of oxygen) that causes various problems.
What are the two main categories of biological theories of aging?
Modern biological theories of aging in humans currently fall into two main categories: programmed and damage or error theories.
What is the difference between senescence and programmed longevity?
1) Programmed Longevity, which considers ageing to be the result of a sequential switching on and off of certain genes, with senescence being defined as the time when age-associated deficits are manifested. 2) Endocrine Theory, where biological clocks act through hormones to control the pace of ageing.
Which theory of activity focuses on wear and tear?
And studies show that the type of activity does matter, just as it does with younger people. The Neuroendocrine Theory. First proposed by Professor Vladimir Dilman and Ward Dean MD, this theory elaborates on wear and tear by focusing on the neuroendocrine system.
Is age related change mutually exclusive?
There are many theories about the mechanisms of age-related changes, and they are mutually exclusive, no one theory is sufficiently able to explain the process of aging, and they often contradict one another.
Is the maximum life span subject to change?
In the past, maximum life span (the maximum biological limit of life in an ideal environment) was not thought to be subject to change with the process of aging considered non-adaptive, and subject to genetic traits .
Activity Theory
Proposed by Havighurst and Albrecht, activity theory says remaining occupied and involved is necessary to a satisfying late-life as it helps to delay some of the adverse effects of aging. Some researchers have also suggested that the type of activities matters.
Disengagement Theory
The disengagement theory of aging states that "aging is an inevitable, mutual withdrawal or disengagement, resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to". Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miYcqwHNObg
Subculture Theory
Proposed by Rose, subculture theory postulates that older adults prefer seclusion from the society to interact with themselves who share the same degree of lacking status and negativity regarding aging (in terms of environment, work opportunities, resources, and healthcare).
Continuity Theory
Proposed by Havighurst and colleagues, continuity theory hypothesizes that personality influences the roles and life satisfaction and remains consistent throughout lives.
Age Stratification Theory
Proposed by Riley and colleagues, age stratification theory hypothesizes that society is stratified according to age groups which are the basis for the resources, roles, status, and deference from the society.
Person-Environment-Fit
Proposed by Lawton, person-environment-fit theory says one’s capacity to function in one’s environment is affected by ego strength, motor skills, health, external environment, and cognitive and sensory-perceptual capacity.
Gerotranscendence
Proposed by Tornstam, gerotranscendence says aging individuals transform their perspective from a materialistic to oneness with the universe. These include acceptance of death, substantive relationships, intergenerational connectedness, and unity with the universe.
