Editing Social exchange theory (section)

==Assumptions==
Social exchange theory is not one theory but a frame of reference within which many theories can speak to another, whether in argument or mutual support.<ref name=Emerson/> All these theories are built upon several assumptions about human nature and the nature of relationships. Thibaut and Kelley have based their theory on two conceptualizations: one that focuses on the nature of individuals and one that describes the relationships between two people. Thus, the assumptions they make also fall into these categories. 

The assumptions that social exchange theory makes about human nature include the following:<ref name="West 2007 188">{{cite book
 | last1=West | first1=Richard
 | last2=Turner | first2=Lynn
 | year=2007
 | title=Introducing Communication Theory
 | page=188
 | publisher=McGraw Hill}}</ref>

*Humans seek rewards and avoid punishments.
*Humans are rational beings.
*The standards that humans use to evaluate costs and rewards vary over time and from person to person.

The assumptions social exchange theory makes about the nature of relationships include the following:<ref name="West 2007 188"/>

*Relationships are interdependent.
*Relational life is a process.

Social systems result from human activity and function as structures designed to organize, guide, and regulate human affairs. However, variations exist in how costs and benefits are weighed depending on the actors involved, as well as in the interpretation, adoption, enforcement, neglect, and application of norms and sanctions.<ref>Burns T.R., Dietz T. (1992). Cultural evolution: Social rule systems, selection and human agency. International Sociology, 7, 259–283.</ref>

Furthermore, regarding human nature, the [[prisoner's dilemma]] is a widely used example in game theory that attempts to illustrate why or how two individuals may not cooperate with each other, even if it is in their best interest to do so. It demonstrates that while cooperation would give the best outcome, people might nevertheless act selfishly.<ref>{{cite book
 | last1=Thibaut | first1=N.
 | last2=Kelley | first2=H.
 | year=1959
 | title= The social psychology of groups
 | url=https://archive.org/details/socialpsychology00thib | publisher=New York Wiley}}{{page needed|date=October 2014}}</ref> All relationships involve exchanges, and the balance of these exchanges is considered fair when they are [[Equity theory|equitable]].