George Homans

George Homans was a prominent social psychologist who developed theories about how people interact and build relationships. He believed that social behavior is based on a system of rewards and costs—people tend to continue behaviors that bring them benefits and avoid those that cause discomfort. Homans emphasized that social exchange, like exchanging favors or support, shapes our relationships over time. His ideas help us understand why friends, colleagues, and communities interact the way they do, highlighting the importance of mutual benefit and reciprocity in human connections.