I've had discussions with quite a few students in several of my classes who believe that Social Exchange Theory is a good way in which to evaluate romantic relationships. In brief, SET characterizes relationships from an economic perspective in terms of "investment" and "reward". In teaching this theory over the past ten years, it appears to me that people are increasingly evaluating their romantic relationships by this economic model, that is, in terms of "cost" vs. "reward". Is this a viable way to evaluate our most significant relationships. Indeed, as communicators, is it even ethical? Moreover, how does "commitment" play a part in romantic relationships today? What do you think?
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