Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory

Question 1

Outline- social demography (1st level of filter)

Answer 1

• 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.

Question 2

Outline- similarity in attitudes (2nd level of filter)

Answer 2

• 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.

Question 3

Outline- complimentarity

Answer 3

-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.

Question 4

Evaluation- support from research

Answer 4

Winch found similarity in early stages in the most satisfying relationships,

Question 5

Evaluation-direction of cause and effect.

Answer 5

• 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.

Question 6

Evaluation- Lack of temporal validity

Answer 6

• 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.