Differential Risk Theory as a Subset of Social Exchange Theory

Implications for Making Gay Marriage Culturally Normative and for Understanding Stigma against Homosexuals

Datos Bibliográficos

ID13656378
AutoresW R Schumm (0000-0003-3097-3551, Kansas State University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2004
Volumen94
Número1
Páginas208-210
Fecha de publicación2004-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaPsychological Reports (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0033-2941 • E-ISSN: 1558-691X
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2466/pr0.94.1.208-210
PMID15077765
OpenAlexW1965982645
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas8
Referencias citadas2

Differential risk theory, a subset of social exchange and equity theories, is proposed as an explanation for stigma towards homosexuals and as a basis for normative preferences for heterosexual marriage. Numerous gender differences involved in long-term relationships require members of such close relationships to assume greater interpersonal and social risks and thus costs, compared to same-gender relationships. Without compensating rewards or reduced costs, heterosexual relationships would be unfairly disadvantaged. Resistance to making gay marriage normative and/or equivalent legally to heterosexual marriage may be traced, rather than to homophobia, to societal attempts to maintain equity between classes of relationships characterized by inherent differential risks

Developmental psychology · Differential (mechanical device · Disadvantaged · Homosexuality · Interpersonal communication · Normative · Normative social influence · Social exchange theory · Social rejection · Social relation · Stigma (botany · Law · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology