Exchange Theory, is when one can give or offer something in exchange for something else. In politics we call this,” Quid Pro Quo”. However, Quid Pro Quo, or Exchange Theory, is  practically in every aspect of our lives. When the older man dates the younger woman, he exchanges the security that he can provide for her, in exchange for her youth. When the older woman dates the younger man, she exchanges the stability that she can provide for him, in exchange for his youth. Exchange Theory can only work, if both parties or groups have something to negotiate. It does not make sense for one to come to the bargaining table empty handed, because he or she has nothing to offer. For example, lets take the 55 year-old medical doctor, who lost his wife in a car accident about two-years ago. He meets a 27 year-old waitress at an upscale restaurant. She is petite and very beautiful. The medical doctor and the waitress are now dating, and, they seem to enjoy each other’s company. Here we see Quid Pro Quo, or Exchange Theory at work. The doctor is exchanging his status and position, for her beauty. If the waitress had been about 350 pounds, the medical doctor would not have given her a second look, and, if the waitress was 350 pounds, she probably would not have been hired at the upscale establishment. When dealing with the issues of Exchange Theory, there are a variety of things, that individuals or groups can bring to the negotiating table, such as looks, money, power, sex, opportunities, fame, education, and status. Even nations around the globe use Exchange theory, by using both their tangible and intangible resources to influence the will of others, such as natural resources, material products, and the productivity of labor services. Now Exchange Theory, is not the only social interaction, among individuals or groups. There are three other major social interactions among individuals and groups, which are Cooperation, Competition, and Conflict. However, Exchange Theory or Quid Pro Quo seems to be the prevalent, both inside and outside of politics. Unless, an individual, group, or nation, has something to bargain or negotiate with, there is no need to come to the table, because we all know the old saying, ” if a person cannot bring something to the table, then you need to eat by yourself “.  So, if a man says that he wants a good woman, then he must ask himself the question, “what do I have to offer a woman” ? The same question must be asked by a woman who claims that she wants a good man. ” What do I have to offer a man” ?  Now, what ladies must understand, is that sex alone, cannot make a relationship, because after a period of time, the sex is going to get old, and, we all know that,  four-legs in the bed, does not put any bread on the table. Men, must understand, that going for a woman, just because she is very pretty, will not cut it, when all the bills start rolling in. When a man chooses a woman, he should ask the question, ” if I get sick, can she handle responsibility” ? Women, should ask the same question as well. “Can this guy handle responsibility” ?  Anything in life, that one decides to do, he or she must consider the cost, before picking up the cross. It is very dangerous for a person, to get involved with someone, who does not have as much to lose as he or she does. In all things, one must consider Exchange Theory. What do I have to offer, and, what will I get in return?

 The Bowtie Professor Speaks!

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