Cersei Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory explains that we as individuals use economic principles when evaluating interpersonal relationships. This theory assumes that people try to maximize rewards accordingly to their investment and that people evaluate their relationships to calculate exactly how much we invest in a specific relationship and decide if our rewards are worth the costs. Based on the satisfaction with the results, an individual can decide if the relationship is worth continued investment.
Social exchange theory measures our evaluation process with the comparison level (CL), which is an abstract standard of what we would expect out of a particular relationship based on our personal experiences. CL is useful when trying to make a judgment on …show more content…
However they differ if they consider what their relationship measures up to with others. According to social exchange theory, Cersei and Jaime would compare their relationship to other alternatives that are available. For Cersei this could mean evaluating if she is more happy being with her brother or the king and what her net profit is in both relationships. If she remains with her brother she may have higher levels of intimacy and emotional support resulting in a more equitable relationship. On the other hand, If Cersei considers her marriage with the King she may feel under benefited and lacking emotional support. Cersei acknowledges that her marriage to the king is inequitable and that she would become more dissatisfied over time and therefore decides to plot his death. This is an example of how Cersei has a higher comparison level with Jaime as opposed to the …show more content…
It also fails to invoke any new or interesting thoughts as it explains a process that many people are most likely already familiar with. Jaime and Cersei live in a time where communication theories probably don’t exist, so they will never had the opportunity to learn and understand this theory but the choices they make will be the same regardless, because as individuals they are just trying to make the choices that they know they will get the most rewards from.
To conclude, Social exchange theory provides and indepth look at the process we make when evaluating a relationship. As I have explained, this theory is clearly demonstrated between Cersei and Jaime’s incest relationship. Cersei perceives her relationship with her brother as equitable and is satisfied with her comparison level with Jaime. While on the other hand, Jaime may soon seek to discontinue his relation with his sister, as the comparison level of alternatives is too high to
Social exchange theory measures our evaluation process with the comparison level (CL), which is an abstract standard of what we would expect out of a particular relationship based on our personal experiences. CL is useful when trying to make a judgment on …show more content…
However they differ if they consider what their relationship measures up to with others. According to social exchange theory, Cersei and Jaime would compare their relationship to other alternatives that are available. For Cersei this could mean evaluating if she is more happy being with her brother or the king and what her net profit is in both relationships. If she remains with her brother she may have higher levels of intimacy and emotional support resulting in a more equitable relationship. On the other hand, If Cersei considers her marriage with the King she may feel under benefited and lacking emotional support. Cersei acknowledges that her marriage to the king is inequitable and that she would become more dissatisfied over time and therefore decides to plot his death. This is an example of how Cersei has a higher comparison level with Jaime as opposed to the …show more content…
It also fails to invoke any new or interesting thoughts as it explains a process that many people are most likely already familiar with. Jaime and Cersei live in a time where communication theories probably don’t exist, so they will never had the opportunity to learn and understand this theory but the choices they make will be the same regardless, because as individuals they are just trying to make the choices that they know they will get the most rewards from.
To conclude, Social exchange theory provides and indepth look at the process we make when evaluating a relationship. As I have explained, this theory is clearly demonstrated between Cersei and Jaime’s incest relationship. Cersei perceives her relationship with her brother as equitable and is satisfied with her comparison level with Jaime. While on the other hand, Jaime may soon seek to discontinue his relation with his sister, as the comparison level of alternatives is too high to