According to resource theory, who tends to hold power in a relationship, and what is a typical example?

• A. Power rests with the partner who argues most often.
• B. Power rests with the partner who contributes valuable resources (income, status, social capital); example: higher earners may have more influence over decisions.
• C. Power rests with the partner who is physically stronger.
• D. Power rests with the partner who does all the housework.

Answer: (B)

In resource theory, power in a relationship comes from control over resources that both partners value. The partner who holds resources that the other depends on—like income, job status, or social capital—tends to have more influence over decisions because the other partner relies on those resources for security, stability, or status. A typical example is that higher earners may have more say in financial choices and major life decisions since the other partner depends on that income.

This isn’t about who argues most, who is physically stronger, or who does more chores; those factors don’t define power in this framework. Power arises from unequal access to valued resources and the resulting dependence.