Social Exchange Theory

Social exchange theory is a sociological and psychological theory that explains how people behave in relationships using cost-benefit analysis, expecting that what they give will lead to a fair return and treating social relationships like economic exchanges in which each person controls things the other values and decides whether to continue based on how beneficial and fair the exchange feels over time. It can be applied to a wide range of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics and professional relationships, and individuals are thought to evaluate the rewards and costs of a relationship when deciding whether to maintain, deepen or end it; people typically end something if the costs outweigh the rewards, especially if their own efforts are not returned. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/