The basic concept of exchange theory emphasizes cost and beneficial relationships between the interactions of people and their social environment. Exchange theory attempts to explain human behavior under the content of a balanced-equal ratio within the distribution of giving and receiving. "At the heart of exchange is the notion of profits. Profits can consist of benefits (or rewards) with less costs (or punishments). Rewards may be material (economic) or symbolic (such as attention, advice, or status). They are generally things defined as something that either has value or bring satisfaction and gratification to the individual." (Canda, Chatterjee, & Robbins, 1998, p. 337). Some rewards can be granted based on either a person's acquirements or attributes. For example, a college student can achieve good grades due to their ability to possess excellent study habits and writing skills (acquirements), or the student can possibly receive good grades based primarily on their qualities such as race, gender, or economical status (attributes.). People receiving merits depending on their attributes may have the tendency to exemplify an uneven or non-reciprocal exchange. .
The idea of exchange theory has been applied to micro, meso, and macro levels of society. Originally this concept was mainly integrated within micro systems, but it was eventually able to be analyzed among a larger societal structure. "One basic thesis in exchange theory (at both micro and macro levels) is that uneven exchange leads to power of one party over another. People with less valued resources are at a power-inferior position, just as those with highly valued resources are at a power-superior position." (Canda et al., 1998, p. 341). Individuals who are perceived to be in a more authoritative or more privileged position, may exceedingly exercise their power over those who posses less power. Canda, Chatterjee, and Robbins (1998) believes that it is important to recognize that excessive use of power and privilege in economic exchange may result in rebellion by those who are oppressed (p.