Question

How do different perspectives impact relationship development and maintenance particularly, in terms of exchange versus communal factors? Have you ever experienced these different perspectives?Provide examples.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary. Please write your experiences if necessary.

(Answer) Clark and Mills first defined the dynamics of exchange and communal relationships. They claimed that exchange relationships were the ones where individuals share a give and take relationship. It can be a give and take of objects, assistance or benefits. In other words, it would be a quid pro quo situation. For instance, in business relationships, one may help a colleague complete a work assignment that is nearing a deadline in exchange for future help on their own presentation.

However, in communal relationships, individuals offer their assistance for the simple benefit of the other’s welfare. For instance, a mother would generally take care of a child’s food, well-being and upbringing simply for the child’s happiness and no payment or advantage.

Development and Maintenance – Firstly, these relationships are conceived generally by beginning an exchange or favour. If it does not begin with a favour, it is likely that the individuals would have some future benefits to avail. In a communal relationship, it is mostly affection or emotions that lead to the beginning of such relationships.

The exchange relationships would need constant work as they are maintained by periodical exchanges of benefits. However, communal relationships are maintained by emotions like gratitude, kindness and affection.