George C. Homans

George C. Homans was a sociologist known for developing social exchange theory, which suggests that social interactions are motivated by the expectation of rewards and the avoidance of punishments. He believed that people organize their social lives based on costs and benefits, much like economic transactions. According to Homans, relationships are maintained when the rewards outweigh the costs, fostering cooperation, trust, and stability. His work helped explain how individuals' behaviors are influenced by their social environment, emphasizing that social patterns emerge from repeated exchanges aimed at personal benefit.