GEORGE CASPAR HOMANS AND THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY

GEORGE CASPAR HOMANS AND THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY

 

GEORGE CASPAR HOMANS

George Caspar Homans (1910-1989) was an American sociologist and sociological theorist who made significant contributions to the field of sociology and the study of social exchange theory. He was a professor of sociology at Harvard University and was considered one of the leading figures in American sociology during the 20th century.

Homans is best known for his theory of social exchange, which argues that human behavior is based on the exchange of rewards and costs in social relationships. He proposed that individuals make decisions about social behavior based on their expectations of the rewards and costs associated with different actions. This theory became the foundation for much of the research in the field of social networks and social structure.

Homans also made important contributions to the study of groups and organizations, and is considered one of the pioneers of microsociology. He wrote several influential books, including "The Human Group" (1950), "Social Behavior: Its Elementary Forms" (1961), and "Sentiments and Activities" (1982).

He is known for his pioneering work in the study of social behavior, social interaction, and human motivation. Homans introduced the concept of "social exchange" as a way of understanding human behavior, suggesting that people engage in social interactions with one another to obtain rewards and avoid punishments. His work also focused on the idea that people act rationally and consistently in their social relationships, making choices that maximize rewards and minimize costs. Homans' work has had a lasting impact on sociology, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by sociologists today.

 

SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY

George Caspar Homans's Social Exchange theory is a sociological perspective that views social interaction and relationships as a type of economic exchange. According to this theory, individuals engage in social interactions with the goal of maximizing rewards and minimizing costs.

In social exchange, rewards can include things like love, affection, status, power, and material goods. Costs include the time, effort, and emotional investment that a person puts into a relationship. Homans believed that individuals weigh these costs and rewards when making decisions about social interactions and relationships.

o   Homans also believed that social exchange operates according to the principles of classical economics. This means that individuals make decisions based on their subjective preferences and that they compare the benefits and costs of different options to determine the best course of action.

o   One important aspect of Homans's theory is the idea of "balance." In social exchange, balance refers to the idea that individuals strive for equality in the costs and rewards of their relationships. When the costs outweigh the rewards, individuals may terminate the relationship or attempt to renegotiate the terms of the exchange.

Overall, Homans's Social Exchange theory provides a useful framework for understanding how people make decisions about social interactions and relationships. It highlights the importance of considering both costs and rewards and emphasizes the role of rational decision-making in shaping social behavior.

 

Basic points of Social Exchange Theory

1. The theory focuses on the exchange of benefits between individuals in a social relationship.
2. Homans argues that individuals engage in social exchanges to gain rewards and avoid punishments.
3. Social exchange is based on the principles of reciprocity and equity, meaning that individuals expect to receive a reward equivalent to what they have given in a social relationship.
4. Homans argues that social exchange relationships are established when individuals have common goals and depend on each other for fulfillment of these goals.
5. The theory suggests that the satisfaction individuals derive from a social relationship is proportional to the rewards they receive from the relationship.
6. Homans argues that social exchange is a continuous process, with individuals constantly evaluating and adjusting their behavior to maintain the balance of rewards and punishments.
7. The theory also highlights the role of communication in social exchange, with individuals using communication to negotiate rewards and punishments and to maintain the balance in a relationship.
8. Homans emphasizes that social exchange is influenced by cultural and societal norms, with individuals using these norms to guide their behavior in a relationship.
9. The theory provides a framework for understanding a wide range of social relationships, including close relationships, work relationships, and relationships within organizations.

 

The basic concept of Social Exchange theory

Homan's social exchange theory consists of a set of fundamental propositions that describe how people engage in social interactions and relationships. The basic concept of this theory revolves around the idea that social interactions are driven by individuals' efforts to maximize rewards and minimize costs.

 

1.     Activity: Refers to the voluntary and intentional behavior that people engage in to obtain a goal or outcome. The kind of behaviour end at deriving rewards.

 

2.     Stimulus: Refers to the conditions or environment that prompt behavior or action. Cues in the environment to which an organization responds with actions

 

3.     Sentiments: Refers to the feelings and emotions that individuals experience as a result of social interactions. The activities by means of which the members of a particular verbal or symbolic community communicate feelings and emotional attitude.

 

4.     Action: Refers to the behaviors or activities that individuals engage in to achieve a goal. Behaviour emitted by organisms directed and getting rewards and avoiding punishment.

 

5.     Reward: Refers to the positive outcomes or benefits that individuals receive as a result of their actions. Anything or any activity that a person receives that is positively evaluated by him.

 

6.     Punishment: Refers to the negative outcomes or consequences that individuals experience as a result of their actions. The capacity to harm, injured or to block the satisfaction of needs that’s a stimulus process.

 

7.     Value: Refers to the perceived worth or importance that individuals assign to rewards and costs. The degree of reinforcement or punishment, a man gets from the unit of an activity he received.

 

8.     Cost: Refers to the resources or efforts that individuals invest in order to achieve a reward. Reward forgone, or punishment incurred in engaging in one line of action.

 

9.     Profit: Refers to the difference between the rewards and costs of a particular interaction. Reward minus cost, for engaging in a certain activity.

 

10.  Perception: Refers to the subjective interpretation of rewards, costs, and profits that individuals have based on their unique experiences and perspectives. The capacity to perceived, weigh (evaluate) an assess, rewards and cost.

 

These propositions help to explain why people engage in social interactions and how they make decisions about their behavior based on the perceived rewards and costs.

 

 

Relation between social behaviour in social exchange theory

 

In social exchange theory, social behavior is understood as a result of a reciprocal exchange of benefits and costs between individuals in a social interaction. According to this theory, people engage in social behavior to maximize the benefits they receive and minimize the costs they incur. The benefits can be tangible or intangible, such as rewards, recognition, or satisfaction, while the costs can include time, effort, or resources.

In social exchange, individuals engage in social behavior that is based on the expected outcomes of their actions. They weigh the costs and benefits and make decisions about their behavior based on the expected results. Social exchange theory views social behavior as a transactional process, with individuals seeking to maximize their own benefits and minimize costs in every interaction.

In summary, social behavior in social exchange theory is seen as the result of a cost-benefit analysis of social interactions, with individuals seeking to optimize their outcomes in every interaction.

 

 

Interaction and Exchange in Social Behaviour

Social behavior is based on the concept of interaction and exchange between individuals. Social exchange refers to the reciprocation of goods, services, or emotional support between individuals. When individuals interact, they engage in a process of negotiation and bargaining to determine the terms of the exchange. The outcome of the exchange is based on the relative value of what is being exchanged, the availability of alternatives, and the power and status of the individuals involved.

In social exchange, individuals are motivated by a variety of factors such as the desire to maximize their rewards, to maintain social relationships, and to fulfill their obligations. The process of social exchange is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and it is present in all aspects of social life, including family life, work, and leisure activities.

Homans proposed that social behavior is based on the concept of reinforcement, meaning that people respond to the consequences of their actions. Reinforcement can be positive or negative, and it determines whether an individual will continue or modify their behavior. When people engage in social exchange, they are seeking to achieve a reward, and the outcome of the exchange will determine the reinforcement received.

In conclusion, interaction and exchange are essential components of social behavior. Social exchange is a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors, and it is essential in maintaining social relationships and achieving personal goals.

 

 

Elementary principles of Social Behaviour

 

Elementary propositions of social behavior by Homans are a set of six fundamental propositions that outline the basic principles of human behavior in social interactions.

1.     Success proposition: This proposition states that individuals tend to repeat behaviors that result in positive outcomes or success in the past. People are more likely to perform actions the more frequently these actions have been rewarded in the past.

 

2.     Stimulus proposition: This proposition suggests that individuals are more likely to respond to social stimuli that are rewarding or positive. People are more likely to repeat previously rewarded actions in the presence of stimuli that were associated with reward in the past

 

3.     Value proposition: This proposition asserts that individuals are driven by their personal values and goals. People are more likely to perform actions, that produce outcomes they highly value.

 

4.     Deprivation-Satiation proposition: This proposition states that individuals are motivated by the need to satisfy their needs and desires, and when these needs are fulfilled, their motivation decreases. The value of a reward declines the more frequently a person has received it in the recent past.

 

5.     Aggression-approval proposition: This proposition suggests that individuals are motivated by the desire for approval and recognition from others, and that aggressive behavior can be a response to perceived threats to their status or self-esteem.Rewards that are less than expected, or punishments that are greater than expectation, produce anger and aggression; Conversely, rewards that are greater than expected or punishments that are less than expected, produce pleasure and approving behaviour.

 

6.     Rationality proposition: This proposition asserts that individuals make rational decisions based on their goals and the costs and benefits of different courses of action. Choices between alternative actions are determined by the relative value to a person of the action’s outcomes, multiplied by their perceived probability.

These propositions provide a framework for understanding the underlying motivations and behaviors of individuals in social interactions.