Intersecting Gender and Social Exchange Theory in Family Therapy

Abstract

Social exchange theory (SET) provides a comprehensive description of how people interact within relationships, as well as how they make decisions outside of partnerships and groups. This theory, however, does not address how social structure and power processes influence this exchange. Specifically, it fails to recognize how gender shapes the way people behave within relationships. In this paper, we summarize the constructs and assumptions of SET, critique the theory and highlight areas of omission related to gender, and we address culture and other contextual issues that may affect the application of this theory. Finally, we provide a case example demonstrating how clinicians and researchers may consider gender issues in a social exchange process.

Key Words:

• Gender
• culture
• social exchange theory
• marriage and family therapy
• couple therapy
• feminist family therapy
• theory application
• human relationships
• feminist social research