Overview

INTRODUCTION In developing scientific theory there is perhaps nothing more propi­ tious than a compelling metaphor. If the metaphor is rich in imagery, complexly differentiated, emotionally evocative, and vitally wedded to the cultural lore, the theory to which it gives rise may enjoy a long and vigorous life. If the metaphor is sufficiently powerful, the theory may even be sustained in independence of systematic empirical support. Role theory is likely to remain prosperous so long as there is a thriving theater; decision theory experienced a dramatic rejuvenation with the development of the electronic computer; and, in spite of its archaic construction, Jungian theory will prevail so long as ancient myths and symbols continue to haunt us (d. Smith, 1978). From this standpoint, the development of social exchange theory is hardly surprising. Ex­ perience with the marketplace is extensive in society, its images are both complex and richly evocative, its challenges are often exciting and its lessons sometimes painful. It is thus both intellectually and emo­ tionally invigorating to consider the social arena in all its diversity as an extended market in which each individual seeks to maximize profits. The economic metaphor is hardly new to the social sciences. The recent intellectual roots of contemporary exchange theory can be traced to the works of Claude Levi-Strauss, Marcel Mauss, Karl Marx, and B.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kenneth Gergen
Publisher:   Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Imprint:   Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Edition:   Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1980
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.481kg
ISBN:  

9781461330899

ISBN 10:   1461330890
Pages:   306
Publication Date:   06 October 2011
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

I Theoretical Extension.- 1 A Theory of Indebtednes.- 2 What Should Be Done with Equity Theory? New Approaches to the Study of Fairness in Social Relationships.- 3 The Search for Uniqueness and Valuation of Scarcity: Neglected Dimensions of Value in Exchange Theory.- 4 Resource Theory: Interpersonal Behavior as Exchange.- II Exchange Theory in Specialized Settings.- 5 Leadership and Social Exchange Processes.- 6 The Study of Organizations through a Resource-Exchange Paradigm.- 7 Sex Roles, Social Exchange, and Couples.- 8 An “Incremental Exchange” Perspective on the Pair Relationship: Interpersonal Reward and Level of Involvement.- III Critical Analysis.- 9 Structural and Motivational Approaches to Social Exchange.- 10 The Myth of Reciprocity.- 11 New Developments in Operant Conditioning and Their Implications.- 12 Exchange Theory: The Transient and the Enduring.- References.

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions