Son Ho
SOCO 101
Exchange Theory in Romantic Relationship
Exchange theory is the sociological theory that views problem between two parties from the perspective of choices made on the basis of rewards and costs. This social exchange framework is useful for understanding romantic relationships within a relational context, and helps me to have a better understanding about relationships just by focusing on the give-and-take between the two partners. The basis of the social exchange theory as applied to romantic relationships is that sex in a heterosexual community is a valuable commodity that a woman gives to a man in exchange for other commodities. And from an article by Jeremy Rhodes, we can see this point clearly. The article talked about the Valentine’s commercial, which has an attractive woman dressed up nicely and says “guys, Valentine’s Day is not that complicated. Give, and you shall receive” at the end of the commercial and then cut to a bouquet of flowers (Jeremy Rhodes, Valentine’s Day and Social Exchange Theory). Isn’t that context is another way to say: “Flowers in exchange for sex”? No matter what the underlying meaning of the commercial is, there is no denying that the exchange process is also happening in real life. People engaging in a relationship with different expectations from what …show more content…
I do believe that the exchange theory always occurs in relationships, either romantic or not. Many of you may consider romantic relationships based on the exchange theory could be seen as a gloomy, materialistic relationship, but after all, exchange theory cannot adequately explain all of the ups-and-downs of human interactions. Therefore, I also cannot ignore the fact that all the relationships doesn’t have to be seen in pragmatic meaning, and we also cannot forget that social exchange theory is only one of various ways to analyze the results of endless different possibilities
SOCO 101
Exchange Theory in Romantic Relationship
Exchange theory is the sociological theory that views problem between two parties from the perspective of choices made on the basis of rewards and costs. This social exchange framework is useful for understanding romantic relationships within a relational context, and helps me to have a better understanding about relationships just by focusing on the give-and-take between the two partners. The basis of the social exchange theory as applied to romantic relationships is that sex in a heterosexual community is a valuable commodity that a woman gives to a man in exchange for other commodities. And from an article by Jeremy Rhodes, we can see this point clearly. The article talked about the Valentine’s commercial, which has an attractive woman dressed up nicely and says “guys, Valentine’s Day is not that complicated. Give, and you shall receive” at the end of the commercial and then cut to a bouquet of flowers (Jeremy Rhodes, Valentine’s Day and Social Exchange Theory). Isn’t that context is another way to say: “Flowers in exchange for sex”? No matter what the underlying meaning of the commercial is, there is no denying that the exchange process is also happening in real life. People engaging in a relationship with different expectations from what …show more content…
I do believe that the exchange theory always occurs in relationships, either romantic or not. Many of you may consider romantic relationships based on the exchange theory could be seen as a gloomy, materialistic relationship, but after all, exchange theory cannot adequately explain all of the ups-and-downs of human interactions. Therefore, I also cannot ignore the fact that all the relationships doesn’t have to be seen in pragmatic meaning, and we also cannot forget that social exchange theory is only one of various ways to analyze the results of endless different possibilities