vaihtoteoria

Vaihtoteoria, known in English as exchange theory, is a social science perspective that analyzes social behavior as the trading of resources. This theory posits that individuals engage in social interactions with the expectation of receiving rewards that outweigh their costs. These rewards can be tangible, such as money or goods, or intangible, such as approval, status, or affection. Conversely, costs can include time, effort, or emotional distress.

The core principle of exchange theory is that the more valuable a resource is to an individual, and the scarcer it is, the greater power it confers upon the holder. Social relationships are viewed as a series of exchanges, where individuals seek to maximize their benefits and minimize their losses. The quality of a relationship is often judged by the perceived fairness of the exchanges within it. If one party consistently receives more benefits than they give, or vice versa, the relationship may be perceived as unbalanced and is less likely to be sustained.

Key concepts within exchange theory include social exchange, reciprocity, and power. Social exchange refers to the ongoing process of giving and receiving goods and services. Reciprocity is the expectation that favors will be returned. Power is derived from the control over valued resources. Exchange theory has been applied to understand a wide range of social phenomena, including family dynamics, organizational behavior, and political relationships. It offers a framework for understanding human motivation and the structure of social interactions.