Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory Flashcards
1
Q
Outline- social demography (1st level of filter)
A
- refers to a wide range of factors all of which influence the chances of potential partners meeting in the first place. E.g. Location (proximity), social class, level of education, ethnic group, religion etc.
- proximity means accessibility. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to meet someone who lives close by.
- as a result the realistic field is narrowed down largely.
- HOMOGOMY, meaning more likely to for, a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar.
2
Q
Outline- similarity in attitudes (2nd level of filter)
A
- partners will often share beliefs and values, partly because the field of availables have already been narrowed by the first filter to those who are culturally similar.
- if they’re similar in attitudes then theses are more likely to be together.
3
Q
Outline- complimentarity
A
-similarity becomes less important as the relationship goes on and is replaced by a need for your partner to balance your traits with opposite ones of their own.
4
Q
Evaluation- support from research
A
Winch found similarity in early stages in the most satisfying relationships,
5
Q
Evaluation-direction of cause and effect.
A
- We don’t know if couples become couples because they’re more similar, of if the become more similar when they are together.
- if they become more similar, this is a problem in filter theory.
6
Q
Evaluation- Lack of temporal validity
A
- the first filter in filter theory (social demographics: location, social class) is eradicated as a result of online dating sites.
- online it means that we may pursue relationships with people outside the usual demographic.
- this would not have applied 30 years ago when the theory was decided so it’s incorrect in many conditions.