Editing Equity theory (section)

===Propositions===
Equity theory consists of four propositions:

* self-inside: Individuals seek to maximize their outcomes (where outcomes are defined as rewards minus costs).{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}
* self-outside: Groups can maximize collective rewards by developing accepted systems for equitably apportioning rewards and costs among members. Systems of equity will evolve within groups, and members will attempt to induce other members to accept and adhere to these systems. The only way groups can induce members to equitably behave is by making it more profitable to behave equitably than inequitably. Thus, groups will generally reward members who treat others equitably and generally punish (increase the cost for) members who treat others inequitably.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}
* others-inside: When individuals find themselves participating in inequitable relationships, they become distressed. The more inequitable the relationship, the more distress individuals feel. According to equity theory, both the person who gets "too much" and the person who gets "too little" feel distressed.  The person who gets too much may feel guilt or shame.  The person who gets too little may feel angry or humiliated.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}
* other-outside: Individuals who perceive that they are in an inequitable relationship attempt to eliminate their distress by restoring equity.  The greater the inequity, the more distress people feel and the more they try to restore equity.{{sfnp|Walster|Traupmann|Walster|1978}}