Filter Theory

• Filter theory = an explanation of relationship formation, states that a series of different factors that progressively reduces the range of available romantic partners
• Filter theory was proposed by Kerckhoff and Davis
• Filter Theory:

  1. Social demography
  2. Similarity in attitudes
  3. Complementarity
• Social demography - factors that influence the chances of potential partners meeting each other in the first place

  E.g. Geographical location, social class, level of education, ethinic group etc
• Social demography - anyone who is too different (too far away) is discounted as a potential partner
• Similarity in attitudes - found that similarity of attitudes was important to the development of romantic relationships for couples who had been together less than 18 months
• Similarity of attitudes - a need for partners in the early stages to agree over basic values as this encourages greater and deeper communication
• Complementarity - the ability of romantic partners to meet each others needs - complement each other when they have traits that the other lacks
• PEEL 1:

  Strength - support from Kerckhoff and Davis's original study - longitudinal study where both partners took part in a questionairre that assessed similarity in attitudes and complementarity

  • closeness associated with Similarity of attitudes for couples less than 18 months in
  • Longer relationships, complementarity predicted closeness
• PEEL 2:

  Weakness - many studies have failed to replicate kerckhoff and Davis's findings which could be down to social changes over time
• PEEL 3:

  Weakness - social change - the role of filters has changed over time (e.g online dating apps) so this no longer limits potential partners

  • temporal validity
• PEEL 4:

  Weakness - doesn't account for relationships that defy the odds (e.g. long distance relationships)

  • Lacks full explanatory power