The Matching Hypothesis

• Who proposed the matching hypotesis?

  walster
• Although we find physical attractiveness desirable, what does common sense tell us?

  That we cannot ALL form relationship with the most attractive people
• what does the matching hypothesis state?

  That people therefore choose romantic partners who are roughly of similar attractiveness to each other.

  • In order to do this, we have a realistic judgement about our own 'value' to a potential partner
  • Our choice of partner is essentially a COMPROMISE
• What does the hypothesis say that we desire?

  The most physically attractive partner, but we need to BALANCE THIS against the risk of being REJECTED by someone who is 'out of our league'

  What we eventually settle for is the best 'value match' available to us, hence couples end up attracting romantic partners who are roughly as attractive as each other