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Social Networks and Exchange Norms Across the Adult Life-Span*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Adam Davey  and
Joan E. Norris
Adam Davey
Affiliation:
The University of Georgia
Joan E. Norris
Affiliation:
University of Guelph
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Abstract

Developmentally grounded research on norms for social exchange in adult relationships is equivocal, and rife with theoretical and methodological inconsistencies. We examined the applicability of three theoretical perspectives to specific relationships differing in self-perceived closeness in three groups of adults. Participants were first year (n = 37, MAge = 19.1 years) and fourth year (n = 42, MAge = 22.1 years) undergraduates, and retired teachers (n = 42, MAge = 66.8 years). We find considerable similarity among the three age groups on exchange norms and reciprocity expectations, despite considerable differences in sources of supportive relationships. Results indicate greatest support for exchange based upon need over either equity or social exchange perspectives, with this being especially true for very close relationships. Older adults report relationships operating to a greater extent on expectations for long-term over short-term reciprocity than young adults. Findings highlight the importance of considering intra-individual variation in exchange norms and expectations for reciprocity.

Résumé

La recherche faite pour des motifs de développement sur les normes d'échanges sociaux dans les relations entre adultes est équivoque et bourrée d'incohérences théoriques et méthodologiques. Nous avons étudié l'applicabilité de trois points de vue théoriques à des relations spécifiques qui différaient dans le rapprochement perçu par soi chez trois groupes d'adultes. Les participants étaient des étudiants de première année (n = 37, MÂge = 19.1 années) et de quatrième année (n = 42, MÂge = 22.1) années) du premier cycle, ainsi que des professeurs à la retraite (n = 42, MÂge = 66.8 années). Nous trouvons qu'il y a beaucoup de similitude parmi les trois groupes d'âge sur les normes d'échanges et sur les attentes de réciprocité malgré des différences considérables dans les sources de relations cordiales. Les résultats indiquent qu'il y a plus d'appui pour des échanges fondés sur le besoin plutôt que sur l'équité ou les perspectives d'échanges sociaux; ceci est particulièrement vrai dans le cas des relations très proches. Les adultes plus âgés ont indiqué des relations basées davantage sur des attentes de réciprocité à long terme plutôt qu'à court terme, comparativement aux jeunes adultes. Les résultats de l'étude soulignent l'importance de considérer la variation intra-individuelle dans les normes d'échanges et dans les attentes de réciprocité.

Keywords

Support NetworksSocial ExchangeEquity TheoryContingent ExchangeClose RelationshipsLife-Span Development.Réseaux de soutienéchanges sociauxthéorie de l'équitééchanges fortuitsrelations étroitesdéveloppement génétique.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , Été/Summer 1998 , pp. 212 - 233
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1998

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