Social Exchange Theory In Road Ends By Mary Lawon

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The social exchange theory is prevalent within the three main characters in the novel Road Ends by Mary Lawon. The exchange theory is the idea that an individual makes a choice by weighing out the costs and benefits of a situation (Families in Canada, 2007. Pg. 42). Megan, Edward, and Tom all find themselves in very troubling situations, where they must examine what they have to offer and make a decision according to the costs and benefits. Megan often finds herself putting the benefits of others above what is best for her. Edward, her father, tries to shelter others from himself, but he only ends up hurting them more, instead of contributing all of his affection to them. Tom holds a more selfish view on the world, which impacts his ability to properly examine all the factors that affect his situation. …show more content…

Megan’s complicated life applies to the social exchange theory because she puts a lot of thought into leaving home. When she first made the decision, her mother had just given birth to Adam, so Megan decided that it was in the best interest of her mother to wait until everything was settled before she would leave. “‘That was a year and a half ago’ Megan said, flipping the pastry pastry over and rolling it out again. ‘I had to put it off because after Adam was born you weren’t well. And then Adam got whooping cough, so I put it off again. The Peter and Corey got flu. Then you got flu…’” (Lawson, 2013. pg 12). Megan is aware that leaving home would have a significant impact on her family, however, she figured that if she left at the right time, she would be able to reap the most benefits, with potentially less of a cost. She knew that leaving was the best course of action for her to develop into an adult. Another time that the Exchange theory is evident in Megan's life, is when she decides to leave Lansdown Terrace. She was grateful for being allowed to reside there, especially as she did not

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