The Study of Blau's Theories
The study explores how Blau's theories are illuminated by his conceptions of power, unfair trades, extrinsic and intrinsic rewards, and imbalanced exchanges.
Authority and Power
The ability of individuals within their social interactions to behave in accordance with their own will in spite of feelings of resistance is defined as having authority. Blau contends that giving people the rewards they require is the only means by which one can exert control over them (Chadwick-Jones, 2015). Being unable to receive advantages from another source results in independence for an individual. Therefore, power is perceived to arise from the element of different exchange stanching from group or singular domination over an anticipated resource. Notably, power is guided by several principles including the fact that more power is held by that individual who supplies more services in return for some valued services.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards
Intrinsic rewards define the things which are found pleasurable while not being a result of providing the means of getting other benefits. Love is the purest example of an intrinsic reward. When a person decides to go for a walk with a friend, or even celebrate a holiday with a family, he or she experiences an intrinsic reward. On the other hand, extrinsic rewards cannot be detached from the suggestion in which they are acquired (Appelrouth & Edles, 2008). Therefore, when a person associates with other people, it serves as a means to a further end.
Imbalanced Exchanges and Social Rewards
The imbalanced exchange of social reward elaborates the concept that the pleasures experienced by humans have its source from the social life. On the other hand, sufferings that people undergo have to do with the interactions that people have towards each other. Thus, an individual gets rewards at the cost of another. However, it is not always the case that the society is a sum zero game but underlines the fact that individuals do not enjoy the same social benefits equally.
References
Chadwick-Jones, J. (2015). Social exchange theory. London: Academic Press.
Appelrouth, S., & Edles, L. D. (2008). Classical and contemporary sociological theory: Text and readings. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
