filter theory

• kirchoff and davies 1962

  there are certain limiting factors that affect the choice of partners
• kirchoff and davies 1962

  we only become attracted to those who pass through a series of filters (field of available and field of desireables)
• similarity filter 1 social demography


  more likely to come in contact with some people more than others just due to how we spend our time
• similarity filter 1 social demography


  factors include who we live near, who we are with during education and who we socialise with, linked to characteristics like social class, level of education and economic status
• similarity filter 2 attitudes


  likely that we will come into contact with people with similar core values, these people seen as more attractive/compatible, helps with self disclosure at start of relationships
• similarity filter 3 complementarity


  attracted to those people who provide for our emotional needs, partners can have difference that are mutually beneficial
• similarity filter 3 complementarity

  this is seen as important for success of long term relationships