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Social Exchange Theory

Social Exchange Theory

We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).

Social Exchange Theory

Social Exchange Theory

As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations

Published on: October 29, 2016

Social evolution: reciprocity there is.

Michael Taborsky¹

¹Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland. michael.taborsky@iee.unibe.ch

Current Biology : CB

|June 8, 2013

Summary

Reciprocity can explain altruism in nature, but evidence is mixed. Recent studies on social vertebrates increasingly challenge relatedness as the sole driver for cooperation evolution.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Behavioral ecology
Social behavior

Background:

The theory of cooperation posits that reciprocity can establish altruism.
Empirical evidence for reciprocity's role in natural cooperation is often debated.
Relatedness has been considered the primary explanation for cooperative behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of reciprocity in the evolution of cooperation.
To examine empirical evidence challenging the dominance of relatedness as an explanation for cooperation.
To explore alternative mechanisms driving cooperation in social vertebrates.

Main Methods:

Review of existing empirical evidence on cooperation.
Analysis of experimental results from studies on social vertebrates.

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Comparative analysis of theoretical predictions versus observed behaviors.

Main Results:

Empirical evidence supporting reciprocity in natural cooperation remains contentious.
Experimental data from social vertebrates increasingly question the exclusive role of relatedness.
Findings suggest that factors beyond kinship influence the evolution of cooperation.

Conclusions:

Reciprocity is a plausible, though not universally supported, mechanism for cooperation.
The evolution of cooperation in social vertebrates is likely driven by multiple factors.
Future research should focus on diverse mechanisms, including reciprocity, to understand cooperative behavior.