Power and Interdependence in Relationships
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of people currently believe their relationships are equal partnerships?

  • 65 percent
  • 55 percent (correct)
  • 45 percent
  • 75 percent

In interdependence theory, where does power primarily stem from?

  • Control of valuable resources (correct)
  • Cognitive dissonance
  • Emotional connection
  • Cultural background

What does the principle of lesser interest indicate about relationship dynamics?

  • The person more invested has more control.
  • The person less invested has more power. (correct)
  • All individuals should have equal interest.
  • Investment levels are irrelevant to power.

Which type of power refers to the ability to determine a partner's outcomes independently of their actions?

<p>Fate control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If one partner offers a reward to influence the other's behavior, this is an example of which type of power?

<p>Behavior control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the dependence on a relationship affect an individual's power within it?

<p>The less dependent partner has more power. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What disrupts the traditional model of power dynamics in relationships?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how power dynamics function in relationships?

<p>Power dynamics are dynamic and influenced by interactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of power is derived from authority or social norms?

<p>Legitimate power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power might come into play if someone has specific knowledge that others want?

<p>Expert power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for the imbalance of power in many relationships?

<p>Men typically earn more than women for the same work. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Referent power is primarily based on which factor?

<p>Connection and attraction to another person (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the influence of cultural norms on power dynamics?

<p>Social norms often support male dominance in relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept refers to doing unto others as they've done unto you, influencing legitimate power?

<p>Reciprocity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do men and women typically influence household decisions?

<p>Women influence household matters and men make major decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power could be exemplified by punishment as a means of influence?

<p>Coercive power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges the notion of equality in relationships according to common perceptions?

<p>Unexpected dynamics of power recognition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines informational power within a relationship context?

<p>Possessing specific knowledge that others desire. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension considers whose interests and priorities take precedence in a relationship?

<p>Relative Status (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way are powerful individuals likely to perceive moral transgressions?

<p>They judge others' transgressions more harshly than their own. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension examines the recognition and acknowledgment of accommodations made in a relationship?

<p>Patterns of Accommodation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional states are often associated with individuals in positions of low power?

<p>More depression and fear of punishment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which communication behavior is commonly observed in men towards women during conversations?

<p>Interrupting their female partners more frequently (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does well-being in a relationship manifest according to the dimensions of equality?

<p>One partner's well-being is prioritized over the other's. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates 'Attention to the Other' in a relationship?

<p>Both partners attend to each other's feelings and needs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to happen when individuals in a conversation have similar power?

<p>Men will still interrupt more frequently than women. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a common attitude of powerful individuals towards their success?

<p>They often value their professional success highly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do power differentials typically affect intimate partner interactions?

<p>They often lead to unrecognized contributions by the less powerful partner. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension focuses on whose needs are prioritized within a relationship?

<p>Relative Status (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavior observed that indicates a power differential during conversations?

<p>Men frequently interrupt women. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is least likely to be affected by the balance of power in relationships?

<p>Mutual respect between partners (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does well-being manifest according to the dimensions of equality?

<p>One partner's well-being is prioritized over the other's. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional states are typically associated with individuals in positions of low power?

<p>Suffering from depression and fear of punishment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension addresses how individual commitments and sacrifices are perceived in a relationship?

<p>Patterns of Accommodation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are powerful individuals more likely to do when assessing moral transgressions?

<p>Judge others' actions more harshly than their own (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is often characteristic of powerful people in social situations?

<p>They exhibit a greater sense of self-importance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of household responsibilities, which pattern is typical in unequal relationships?

<p>One partner managing most low-status chores (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does not significantly affect the dynamics of conversations between partners?

<p>Shared interests between the partners (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What nonverbal behavioral trait is typically associated with powerful individuals?

<p>Taking up more space with asymmetrical postures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group tends to be more accurate in recognizing emotions in others?

<p>Women in general (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In power dynamics, how do individuals in positions of lower power typically communicate?

<p>Acting independently to achieve their objectives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of powerful people's nonverbal communication?

<p>Less engagement in recognizing emotional cues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is associated with higher satisfaction in communication?

<p>Direct strategies where requests are clearly stated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do powerful individuals typically influence others in negotiations?

<p>By employing bilateral strategies focused on cooperation and negotiation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might women exhibit when interacting with higher-status individuals?

<p>Demonstrating stereotypical nonverbal behaviors associated with subservience (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of nonverbal communication accuracy in relationships?

<p>It correlates positively with relationship satisfaction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What communication style do heterosexual women tend to use when discussing condom usage?

<p>Indirect and unilateral (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical behavior exhibited by a partner who does not want to use a condom?

<p>Seductively leading to sex without protection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does relationship satisfaction tend to correlate with shared decision-making between partners?

<p>It increases when partners share decision-making equally (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What personality trait has been observed to be more prevalent in modern women compared to previous generations?

<p>Decisiveness and assertiveness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the common outcome of equal power dynamics in relationships?

<p>They contribute to better overall relationship satisfaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal norms can contribute to power imbalances in relationships?

<p>Expectations of male dominance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed when individuals share decision-making power in a relationship?

<p>Greater relationship stability and satisfaction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do modern relationships generally compare to those based on traditional divisions of labor and power?

<p>They are often more stable and fulfilling. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction of women when discussing their partners' habits regarding condom usage?

<p>Resentment or sulking (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of power dynamics in relationships tends to be viewed positively when partners care for one another?

<p>Communal orientations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Intimate Terrorism (IT)?

<p>It is used as a tool to control and oppress a partner. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of couple violence is characterized by mutual aggression during conflicts?

<p>Situational Couple Violence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to research, what percentage of women experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in the United States?

<p>25% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is considered the most severe according to the provided severity scale?

<p>Being stabbed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about psychological aggression in relationships is true?

<p>It is commonly seen in relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of relationship violence, how is threatening with a knife generally perceived in terms of severity?

<p>As more serious than being kicked. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What global percentage of women experiences severe physical violence from an intimate partner?

<p>30% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region is noted for having particularly high rates of relationship violence?

<p>Southeast Asia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Interdependence Theory

A theory that explains how power operates in relationships by examining the resources each partner controls and the influence they have on the other's outcomes.

Sources of Power in Relationships

Power comes from controlling valuable resources that the other partner desires. The person with more control over these resources has more power.

Alternatives and Power

The more options or alternatives a partner has, the less dependent they are on the relationship and the more power they have.

Principle of Lesser Interest

The person who is less invested in a relationship has more power because they have less to lose.

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Fate Control

One partner can unilaterally decide a partner's outcome, regardless of their actions (e.g., deciding to break up).

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Behavior Control

One partner can influence another's actions through their own behavior (e.g., offering a reward for doing a chore).

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Dynamic Power Dynamics

Power is not static and can shift over time in relationships based on changes in resources, alternatives, and partner behavior

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Reward Power

The ability to grant something desirable to another person, which motivates them to act in a certain way. This can be tangible (money, gifts) or intangible (praise, affection).

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Coercive Power

The ability to inflict something unpleasant or take away something enjoyable from another person, influencing their actions through fear or punishment.

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Legitimate Power

Power derived from a recognized position, role, or authority, often based on shared norms of fairness, reciprocity, or social responsibility.

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Referent Power

Power based on admiration, respect, or attraction towards another person, leading to a desire to please them.

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Expert Power

Power derived from possessing specialized knowledge, skills, or experience, making someone influential in their field.

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Informational Power

Power based on possessing specific information that another person wants or needs, making you influential in situations where this information is crucial.

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Resource Imbalance in Relationships

When men, on average, hold more resources than women in relationships, leading to potential power disparities. This can be influenced by societal norms and economic factors.

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Social Norms and Male Dominance

Cultural beliefs and expectations that often favor male dominance in relationships, even when women have equal or greater resources. This can influence how power is perceived and exercised.

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Elusive 'Equality' in Relationships

Defining and achieving equality in relationships can be challenging, as it involves understanding both the tangible and intangible components of power dynamics.

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Power Dynamics and their Practical Manifestations

The ways in which power dynamics play out in real-life relationship scenarios, encompassing both obvious and subtle expressions of control.

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What are the dimensions of judging relationship equality?

Mahoney and Knudson-Martin propose four categories to assess the closeness of a relationship to true equality: relative status, attention to the other, patterns of accommodation, and well-being.

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Relative Status in Relationships

Examines whose interests matter more in a relationship, who defines what's important, and how low-status chores are handled.

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Attention to the Other in Relationships

Measures who is more attentive to the feelings and needs of their partner, and whether both give and receive care and concern.

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Patterns of Accommodation in Relationships

Determines whose accommodations are acknowledged and whose are taken for granted, and who adjusts their schedule more for the other.

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Well-Being in Relationships

Evaluates whose economic success is valued more, who is psychologically and physically healthier, and if one partner's well-being comes at the expense of the other's.

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Power Feels Good

Powerful people experience positive moods, feel in control, and have a sense of well-being. They often feel they can control events beyond their influence.

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Power and Self-Importance

Powerful people have high self-expectations, value their professional success more, and are more likely to engage in infidelity.

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Power and Moral Judgement

Powerful people are more likely to judge others' moral transgressions harshly while being lenient toward their own transgressions.

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Powerlessness and its Effects

Lack of power can lead to depression, cautious behavior, and fear of punishment. It can also influence behavior in intimate relationships.

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Power Dynamics in Conversation

Conversations are often influenced by power dynamics, with men tending to interrupt women more frequently, even when they appear to have similar power.

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Relative Status Dimension

The level of importance given to each partner's needs and values, as well as how domestic chores are handled.

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Attention to the Other Dimension

How much each partner notices, addresses, and responds to the other's needs and feelings.

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Patterns of Accommodation Dimension

How each person adjusts their routine, and if these adjustments are acknowledged by their partner.

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Well-Being Dimension

Whose financial achievements are more appreciated, and who has better psychological and physical health.

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The Feeling of Power

Powerful people feel good, controlled and often overconfident in controlling events.

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Self-Importance of Power

Powerful people tend to focus on their own successes and feel more entitled.

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Effects of Low Power

Experiencing low power can lead to depression, cautious behavior, and fear of punishment.

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Power and Conversation Styles

Power imbalances affect how partners interact, with the more powerful partner controlling the flow of conversation.

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Gender and Interruptions

Men tend to interrupt women more frequently in conversations, even if they appear to have similar power.

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Safe Sex

The use of condoms during sexual activity to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

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Direct Communication

A direct and straightforward communication style where a person clearly expresses their wish to use a condom during sex.

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Discreet Condom Use

A subtle and indirect approach where a person discreetly produces and uses a condom, demonstrating their expectation of safe sex.

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Power Dynamics and Condom Use

The impact of power dynamics in relationships on decision-making, especially when it comes to condom use.

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Shared Decision-Making and Relationship Stability

The tendency for relationships to be happier, less conflictual, and more stable when both partners share decision-making equally.

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Communal Power

Using power in a relationship to benefit the partner, characterized by a caring and communal orientation.

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Direct and Collaborative Communication (Men)

A style of communication used by men in heterosexual relationships, often characterized by directness and collaboration.

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Indirect and Unilateral Communication (Women)

A style of communication used by women in heterosexual relationships, often characterized by indirectness and unilateral actions.

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Equality in Relationships

The belief that modern relationships are more likely to be successful and fulfilling when both partners have equal power and control.

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Violence in Relationships

The intention to cause physical harm in a relationship, ranging from pushing to severe beatings.

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Situational Couple Violence (SCV)

This type of violence occurs during arguments, involves mutual aggression, and is usually mild.

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Intimate Terrorism (IT)

One partner abuses their power to control and dominate the other. It involves threats, isolation, and manipulation.

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Prevalence of Relationship Violence

A study found that a significant percentage of women and men experience physical violence from an intimate partner in the US.

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Psychological Aggression in Relationships

Psychological aggression like yelling, threatening, or insulting is also a common form of abuse.

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Power Dynamics in Relationships

This refers to the different ways in which power dynamics in relationships manifest in various aspects of daily life.

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Communal Power in Relationships

It involves using power to benefit the partner, expressing care and a desire to contribute to the relationship.

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Study Notes

Power and Interdependence

  • Power is based on the control of valuable resources.
  • If someone controls access to something desirable, they can influence others.
  • Control can be over resources or access to them.
  • The more someone wants something, the more power the controller has.
  • The availability of alternatives affects power balance.
  • In relationships, people with fewer alternatives (low CL) are more dependent and have less power.
  • Men often have more power in traditional marriages partly due to their employment outside the home and higher alternatives.
  • There are two main kinds of power:
    • Fate control: One person unilaterally determines the other's outcomes.
    • Behavior control: One person encourages a change in the other's behavior through their own actions.
  • Power can be exercised in subtle ways, including controlling access to desired resources or influencing decisions without overt actions.
  • The principle of less costly control is where one individual secures a desired outcome without risking retaliation or major confrontation; subtle coercion.
  • Power operates through interacting as well as influencing.
  • Power is influenced by social norms and cultural expectations.
  • Power imbalances can lead to one partner feeling they have the right to control, influence, or even impose on the other.
  • Interdependence perspective on power: If there is another friend at the flea market who also wants the same thing, then you're likely less powerful.
  • Power can be used for good (e.g., helping someone).
  • Power can also be used for bad (e.g., forcing someone into an unwanted situation).
  • In some relationships, the availability of alternative sources of desired resources is a critical factor.
  • Power can be used in heterosexual couples to influence partner's decisions.
  • Power can be used in same-sex couples to influence partner's decisions.
  • People generally try to use the least costly method of influencing a partner.

Violence in Relationships

  • People use violence to try to get what they want.
  • Social power is the ability to influence or change others' thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
  • Relationships can be equal partnerships, with equal levels of influence amongst partners (55% of relationships).
  • Traditional models had one partner dominant.
  • The chapter explores how power operates in intimate relationships.
  • The study notes evaluate outcomes for those involved in relationships.
  • Violence is a means of exerting power.
  • Power imbalances can cause conflict and violence.
  • Violence can be a means of control in abusive relationships.
  • Power imbalances can lead to one partner feeling they have the right to control, influence, or even impose on the other.
  • Expert power exists when our partners believe we have a reasonable right to tell them what to do.
  • Legitimate power exists when our partners believe we have a right to tell them what to do.
  • Coercive power exists when our partners believe we have a reasonable right to take away something they don't want.
  • Power differentials affect how people behave in their relationships, sometimes leading to one partner being more controlling.
  • Coercion is a clumsy way of getting what one wants.
  • Fear and punishment are aversive and breed discontent.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of power and interdependence in relationships, including how control over resources influences behavior. This quiz examines the types of power, the role of alternatives, and the impact of social power and violence. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in interpersonal relationships.

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