The seminal work of John Thibaut and Harold Kelley (1959), The Social Psychology of Groups, formalised Social Exchange Theory by modelling interpersonal relationships through economic principles. This theory proposed that individuals evaluate relationships via ongoing cost–benefit analyses, seeking to maximise rewards (e.g., affection, support) and minimise costs (e.g., conflict, effort), while also comparing outcomes to expectations (“comparison level”) and available alternatives, thereby explaining why relationships are formed, maintained, or dissolved. This framework built on earlier contributions such as George Homans (1958, 1961), who introduced social behaviour as exchange, and was extended by Peter Blau (1964) with an emphasis on power and economic structures, Richard Emerson (1962, 1976) on power-dependence relations, and Alvin Gouldner (1960) on norms of reciprocity, alongside anthropological influences from Marcel Mauss (1925) and Bronisław Malinowski (1922).

From a Christian theological perspective, while Social Exchange Theory offers valuable descriptive insight into human tendencies toward reciprocity and self-interest, it is challenged and complemented by Biblical teachings. Christian scripture emphasises grace, sacrificial love, and covenantal commitment beyond mere utility, such as Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), the call to self-giving love in Ephesians 5:25, and the principle of giving without expecting return (Luke 6:35), reflecting the doctrine of agape love that transcends calculative exchange. Thus, theology critiques the reduction of relationships to transactional terms while affirming the importance of justice and mutual care implicit in reciprocity.

Nevertheless, the theory’s practical benefit lies in enhancing personal wellbeing and societal health by increasing awareness of relational equity, helping individuals recognise unhealthy imbalances, improve communication, and foster stable, mutually beneficial relationships, thereby contributing to social cohesion and more just interpersonal systems.