Theory of Social Exchanges: Essence and Fundamentals

The theory of social exchange is a scientific, special approach, based on the concept of social interaction, which means the following process: any participant will be able to benefit from the results of actions of all participants in this communication.

The focus will be on committing those actions that bring significant benefits. In its quality, both material reward and non-material reward can act. In addition, often participants in this process choose a symbolic benefit - a sign of respect and prestige, positive emotions and so on.

The theory of social exchange highlights the characteristics of the motivation of those people who commit acts useful to others. The fact is that the explanation lies in the existence of expectation, a firm belief that they will receive a significant benefit from the actions of another person in response to their actions.

Therefore, the concept of social exchange argues that the process of interindividual interaction is based on the fact that its participants expect expectations to be confirmed. As a result, a behavioral pattern is fixed, a social reflex that connects in the minds of each individual a system of certain actions as the "stimulus-response" relationship.

A model for researchers who adhere to this concept is the theory of the social exchange of Homans, its founder, an outstanding American sociologist.

In his main work, he was able to identify the following provisions and patterns that explain personal behavior by the fact that everyone wants to support their social exchange.

First, the more often a concrete action of a person is rewarded, the more he or she seeks to accomplish this action.

Secondly, if some stimulus has led to a concrete action that has been rewarded, then in its repetition the individual will try to repeat this chain of actions.

Thirdly, the most valuable result for a person will contribute to the fact that he will try to take actions aimed at achieving a similar result.

Fourth, the more often the individual has received any reward in the past, the less important it is to repeat it.

Fifthly, if an individual does not receive the reward expected for himself, then he will try to show a demonstratively aggressive behavior, and the result will be most valuable than the reward that is not received. But if you receive a reward for an over-the-counter, a person will tend to perform demonstratively loyal behavior, the result of which will become very attractive.

The theory of social exchange argues that since all individuals will strive to maintain and resume interactions that benefit them, and to avoid negative interactions, then stable inter-human ties will form, which are the structure of exchange.

They are formed on the basis of direct (bilateral), or direct exchange. In addition, there may be options for the presence of an indirect or generalized exchange.

This can be examined in more detail by the example of the learning process. So, it is beneficial for students to gain knowledge, skills and skills in the audience, and the teacher gains the benefit of recognizing his status and self-affirmation. This is a direct social exchange.

If we talk about an indirect exchange, then it should be noted that the work for which the teacher receives a salary is paid by the students. It does not matter, it's about budget financing, or about training on a contractual basis.

In general, the theory of social exchange covers all spheres of human interaction without exception.