Problem:
Aronson et al. (2023 p. 284) explains this theory as "the idea that people's feelings about a relationship depend on their perceptions of its rewards and costs, the kind of relationship they deserve, and their chances for having a better relationship with someone else." In other words, economically independent women would consider the costs and rewards to a potential mate, outside of the financial stability required for their survival and that of their offspring. In turn these rewards and costs could vary based on individual preferences, cultural norms or even societal expectations.
An example of this can be taken from an anthropological study regarding educated women from Papua New Guinea and their perspectives on marrying. In this study, Spark (2011, p. 165) found educated women to "avoid marriage because they fear such relationships will destroy their career prospects, compromise their economic and decision-making independence and force them to grapple with male jealousy and violence in the domestic realm." In this study, many of the women expressed the cost of being in a relationship as their safety, as culturally sanctioned violence was a price to pay for their career aspirations (Spark, 2011). In addition, the women who had been influenced by Western culture in their youth sought out "companionate relationships, ones in which conversation and task sharing will revolve around mutual respect" (Spark, 2011, p. 176) as the potential relationship rewards that require the cost of seeking partners outside of Papua New Guinea.
Respond to at least one of your colleagues in the following way:
Informed by social psychology theory and research, explain how your colleague's analysis might differ if applied cross-culturally. Need Assignment Help?
References:
- Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Sommers, S. R., Page-Gould, E., & Lewis Jr., N. (Eds.). (2023). Social psychology (11th ed.). Pearson.
- Chapter 10, "Attraction and Relationships: From Initial Impressions to Long-Term Intimacy"
- Chapter 11, "Prosocial Behavior: Why Do People Help?"
- Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377-383.
- Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1968). Group inhibition of bystander intervention in emergencies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 10(3), 215-221.