THE BALANCE OF EXCHANGE IN INSTRUMENTAL SUPPORT WITH NETWORK MEMBERS OUTSIDE THE HOUSEHOLD

The exchange of six types of instrumental support with individuals out side the household was examined using data from the 1990 Canadian Gene ral Social Survey. The balance of exchange within the network as a who le was considered in relation to age, gender, social class, availabili ty of social relationships, and health status. The findings reveal the complexity of examining the provision and receipt of support simultan eously. Results are generally consistent with propositions under excha nge theory regarding the association between age and reciprocity, depe nding on assumptions made about the nature of exchange. Implications f or future research are discussed.