Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior results from an exchange process

Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior results from an exchange process. The purpose of this exchange is to maximize benefits and minimize costs. According to this theory, people weigh the potential benefits and risks of their social relationships. When the risks outweigh the rewards, they will terminate or abandon the relationship. Most relationships are made up of a certain amount of give-and-take, but this does not mean that they are always equal. The social exchange suggests that it is the valuing of the ​benefits and costs of each relationship that determines whether we choose to continue a social association.