Social Exchange

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xviii

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2. Theoretical Extension

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-2

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   2. A Theory of Indebtedness

      • Martin S. Greenberg

      Pages 3-26

   3. What Should Be Done with Equity Theory?

      • Gerald S. Leventhal

      Pages 27-55

   4. The Search for Uniqueness and Valuation of Scarcity

      • Howard L. Fromkin, C. R. Snyder

      Pages 57-75

   5. Resource Theory

      • Edna B. Foa, Uriel G. Foa

      Pages 77-94

3. Exchange Theory in Specialized Settings

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 95-101

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   2. Leadership and Social Exchange Processes

      • Edwin P. Hollander

      Pages 103-118

   3. The Study of Organizations through a Resource—Exchange Paradigm

      • Walter R. Nord

      Pages 119-139

   4. Sex Roles, Social Exchange, and Couples

      • Richard H. Willis, Irene Hanson Frieze

      Pages 141-163

   5. An ‘Incremental Exchange’ Perspective on the Pair Relationship

      • George Levinger, L. Rowell Huesmann

      Pages 165-188

4. Critical Analysis

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 189-196

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   2. Structural and Motivational Approaches to Social Exchange

      • Harumi Befu

      Pages 197-214

   3. The Myth of Reciprocity

      • Frederic L. Pryor, Nelson H. H. Graburn

      Pages 215-237

   4. New Developments in Operant Conditioning and Their Implications

      • Barry Schwartz

      Pages 239-259

   5. Exchange Theory

      • Kenneth J. Gergen

      Pages 261-280

5. Back Matter

   Pages 281-306

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INTRODUCTION In developing scientific theory there is perhaps nothing more propi­ tious than a compelling metaphor. If the metaphor is rich in imagery, complexly differentiated, emotionally evocative, and vitally wedded to the cultural lore, the theory to which it gives rise may enjoy a long and vigorous life. If the metaphor is sufficiently powerful, the theory may even be sustained in independence of systematic empirical support. Role theory is likely to remain prosperous so long as there is a thriving theater; decision theory experienced a dramatic rejuvenation with the development of the electronic computer; and, in spite of its archaic construction, Jungian theory will prevail so long as ancient myths and symbols continue to haunt us (d. Smith, 1978). From this standpoint, the development of social exchange theory is hardly surprising. Ex­ perience with the marketplace is extensive in society, its images are both complex and richly evocative, its challenges are often exciting and its lessons sometimes painful. It is thus both intellectually and emo­ tionally invigorating to consider the social arena in all its diversity as an extended market in which each individual seeks to maximize profits. The economic metaphor is hardly new to the social sciences. The recent intellectual roots of contemporary exchange theory can be traced to the works of Claude Levi-Strauss, Marcel Mauss, Karl Marx, and B.

• ETA
• Marx
• complex
• computer
• decision theory
• development
• emotion
• myths

• Department of Psychology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, USA

  Kenneth J. Gergen

• Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

  Martin S. Greenberg, Richard H. Willis

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