Exchange Theory
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!
This article in alot of ways is very true. When we first meet someone, maybe we do look at what she or he has to offer us. But as the relationship grows it changes completly. One we grow use to being around each other and we just start enjoying each others company. Two the word “Love” now comes into play. By the time we fall in love we seem to care less what we can offer each other is more like we can not live with out each other. So this article is very true in a relationship that is just getting started not in realatinoship that has been around for a while.
AGE IS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM IN TODAY SOCIATY, IF YOUR A FEMALE AND YOU MARRY SOMEONE THAT IS 10 YEARS OLDER THAN YOU THEN PEOPLE WILL START SAYING OH SHE MARRY HIM BECAUSE OF THE MONEY NOT COUNTING THE LOVE THEY HAVE OR LIKE YOU SAY “THE QUID PRO QUO” OR THE EXCHANGE THEORY. AGE IS LIKE GOVERNMENT NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE BACK EVEN IF YUO DON’T HAVE ANYTHING GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE AWAY EVERYTHNG YOU OWE IF YOU DIVORCE THE GOVERNMENT SAME WITH A RELATION SHIP THAT THE AGE IS QUITE A BIT A DIFFERENCE. WE ALL KNOW THAT, FOUR-LEGS IN THE BED, DOES NOT PUT FOOD ON THE TABE LOVE IS THE GOVERMENT ON EVERY BODYS LIFE WITHOUT LOVE IS ONLY EXCHAGE THEORY.
haha…. wikepedia is not a reliable source of information.
People should definately look before they leap! I once dated a guy without asking for ID and discovered too late he was much younger than myself! I then had to grow him up and move him on as it were. Age does matter very much, contrary to the popular belief of young people today! Age doesn’t matter to love, but in reality, both people must commit and be very mature to undertake a serious relationship such as marriage. I believe the goal of a serious relationship should be marriage for stability and for moral reasons. My parents were married and committed to one another for 57 years until my mother passed away! You won’t find that kind of committment under the sheets! They took care of one another when they were seriously ill and stood by one another through depression, loss, and discouragement. That is what true love is all about - staying together no matter what, just like in the vows!
I think this exchange theory is probably what actually runs the world. Although, it may not seem morally right, we are humans and this is a “dog eat dog world.” This goes on in so many aspects in our lives it goes unnoticed and is acceptable. In some cirumstances I feel one should not take advantage of another but like you said the old saying goes… “if you have nothing to bring to thre table, then you ain’t eating!” Every person has the capability of bringing “something to the table”, so I don’t see any problem with this theory. It will continue to run our lives and honestly, because we are humans and not one of us is perfect, it seems logical.
Kristen Darisse M&W 7:05 ~ extra credit
I totally agree with the “exchange theory”. In fact, I have been guilty of this. The first thing i do now when I meet a man is ask him what can he do to benefit me. In asking this question I am not just looking for a means of financial support. I have four young children and their well being is very important to me. The last guy I had this conversation with talked a good game about what he could do for my girls and I but he has a child and I have never known him to have him. This day and time you have to look at how your relationship with someone will be beneficial.