What are the strengths and weaknesses of social exchange theory?

Social exchange theory's strengths lie in its emphasis on the cost-benefit analysis individuals engage in during social interactions, highlighting how relationships are formed and maintained based on perceived rewards and costs. It provides a clear framework for understanding motivations behind human behavior in social contexts. However, its weaknesses include oversimplifying complex human emotions and relationships, as it may reduce them to mere transactions, and it often fails to account for altruism or selfless behaviors that don't fit the cost-reward model. Additionally, cultural differences in relationship dynamics may not be adequately addressed by the theory.