Social Exchange Theory

The learning theory selected for this essay is the social learning theory proposed by Albert Bandura during the 1960s. The theory was influential in explaining how learning takes place in a social environment. This theory helped to emphasize the role of the social environment in the learning process. According to the social learning theory, an individual learns through the influences of the environment on the mind. The sense impressions from the environment are instrumental in shaping perceptions and connections that promote

Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory describes the process through which people acquire new info, forms of behavior, or attitudes from others firsthand or vicariously. The likelihood of a behavior presenting itself will rely on the amount of reinforcement it receives and the value that the individual associates to it. While some behavior may be rewarded, others may produce unfavorable responses. An individual will learn from the consequences of these actions and when a similar situation arises, they will alter their behavior according to what was most successful in the past.

Though one may favor exchange processes that conclude with a social association that values the idea of equality, however Blau states that exchange processes can “give rise to differentiation of power” (Blau 1964: 114), which results with relation to superordination and subordination. Blau explains this disequilibrium as a result of needs for resources from unlike partners and efforts among equals to gain advantages over the other (Blau 1964: 114). Relating to intrinsic rewards, if one counterpart gains a reward from the exchange, the other counterpart expects repayment in the form of future wards – hence the principle of reciprocity (Blau 1964: 121). Reciprocity between unlike counterparts creates this sense of imbalance

The Social Learning Theory states that children model the behaviors of the adults around them, and can be greatly influenced by these

In my short analysis paper, I plan to use the social exchange theories in order to explain the growth of an important relationship in my life. I will also reflect upon some major turning points in the relationship, what kind of turning points they resemble, and a brief interpretation of what the social exchange theories are. Lastly, I will discuss my critiques of the theory at play. The relationship that I will be analyzing today is between my roommate Michael Gloer and I.

During the class presentation by Dr. Felver on Septmeber 7th, the Social Learning Theory was discussed. Bandura’s social learning theory, states that people learn from one another via observation, imitation and modeling.

Base on my marriage of six-years, my previous marriage and witnessing how my close friends interact in their relationships, I can conclude that I agree and relate to most of the author’s description on Social Exchange Theory. Just like explained in the comparison level, we all believe that we have outcomes that we are entitled to in any relationship we have. (Miller, 2015, p. 177) For example, in my friendships, if I put ‘X’ amount of effort in a friendship, I expect my friend to put the at least the equal amount of effort. I would not consider my happy and successful six-year marriage to have had costs. We have invested so much into our relationship though. Maybe I feel this way due to the fact that I know my wife and I are such a great fit

Quite a few years back, my friend Bryan and I discovered that we had a crush on the same girl. We both come from very different social and power backgrounds, and the conflict that transpired was that we were both undoubtedly dating the same girl who was an opportunist.

The purpose of this journal 2 is to agree or disagree on the given topics from each group members. Group members Marlene, Nalayini, Amir, and Citiara has selected topics from week 7 & 9 and have individual views on their topic.

He argued that every human being has unique preferences which greatly influence them when making choices (Breen and Rottman 1995). People are mostly motivated by money and are likely to carry out a cost-benefit analysis before settling on a decision. It is based on the following premises: human behavior is based on rational calculations, human beings act with rationality when making choices and these choices are aimed at maximizing gains or pleasure. In a similar manner, Interactionist Theory (IT) is used to study social interactions among people. It does not study the entire population at once, but rather studies smaller social groups. It focuses on how individuals act and how they make behavioral choices depending on the way they interpret situations (Hindess, 1998, p.42). From another perspective, it states that human beings only react to social stimuli. As such, they are social actors, and must adjust their behaviors in consideration to the behaviors of other human

George Homans (1974) had the theory of Stimulus proposition under the social exchange theory that says, “If in the past

The underlying premise of social exchange theory is the idea that in relationships, humans will act rationally and in their own best interest so as to maximize personal profit or gain

While the Social Exchange Theory sounds like a basic concept humans likely formed during the early parts of civilization, it wasn’t introduced until 1958. Sociologist George Homans would be the first figure to initially introduce the theory throughout the 1960s, as he analyzed how people tend to “make, maintain, and end” (Chinn 60) the different relationships we consistently take part in. The Social Exchange Theory proposes “that we live our lives and negotiate our relationships based on the ‘cost’ and ‘reward’ we give and receive through our interactions… The basic equation is: Worth = Rewards - Costs” (Chinn 60). A shared belief amongst many Social Exchange theorists, is that “we value relationships when their ‘worth’ feels

The main principle of social exchange theory (Blau, 1964) is built upon a quasi-economical model and the basic elements of reinforcement psychology (Homans, 1961), where interactions can be explained based on the rewards and the positive reinforcement they offer. Emerson (1976) explains that when a particular action is rewarded, it is more likely that the person will repeat that action or similar ones to achieve the reward. This is the main principle of Skinnerian reinforcement.

In marketing and selling products and services to those who don't want to be customers of them, the most critical success factors are creating a high level of trust and selling solutions instead of products. Solution selling needs to concentrate on positive aspects of the product or service, communicating benefits and value that accentuate care, concern and empathetic experiences that all lead to greater trust (Dawson, 2001). For exchange relationships that involve transactions that people would rather ignore, trust and authenticity are the two most critical success factors in selling products and services successfully. The ability to position any product or service so that dignity, respect and empathy for the patient or situation family members are grappling with are at the core of the value proposition is essential (Urban, 2005). Even for those products and services that no one wants to be a consumer of or participating in, the need for creating the foundations of a successful, positive experience is key to building trust and being successful in these delicate marketing and selling situations (Palmer, 2010). Consumers of diabetic monitoring machines, in-home healthcare monitoring machines and funeral services look for empathy, expertise and intelligence in the solutions they are shopping for to these challenging problems (Cleary, Schlesinger, Blumenthal, 1991) (Langreth, 2008). What unifies all of these areas strongly is the