Sociocultural Explanations/Theories of Mate Selection

1
Sociocultural Explanations/Theories of Mate
Selection

• Role Theory
• Value theory
• Murstiens Sequential Theory
• Filter Theory
• Reiss Wheel Theory

2
Role Theory

• The basic premise of role theory is that couples
  with similar role definitions or expectations are
  more likely to marry.

3
Value Theory

• The basic premise of value theory is that people
  with similar values are more likely to select
  each other as mates. The theory posits
• 1. people with similar backgrounds
• learn similar values
• 2. interacting with people who have
  values
• similar to your own is rewarding and
• enhances communication and
• 3. rewarding interaction leads to
  satisfaction
• with your partner.

4
Murstiens Sequential Theory

• This theory asserts that people go through three
  stages that lead to marriage.
• 1. Stimulus Stage
• 2. Value Stage
• 3. Role Stage
• 4. Marriage

5
Stimulus Stage

• During this stage, the couple initiates the
  relationship. Whether or not one tries to
  establish a relationship with someone depends on
  two things.
• 1. the physical, social, and
  reputational attributes of a potential
  partner.
• 2. ones perception of his/her own
• qualities or attributes.

6
Value Stage

• The couple explores each others values.
• If they discover they hold similar values on
  important issues, commitment strengthens.
• If their values on important issues differ, the
  relationship is more likely to end.

7
Role Stage

• The couple eventually explores each others role
  expectations.
• If they agree about role expectations, commitment
  to each other grows stronger
• The more they like how the other performs roles
  (social, religious, sexual, etc.), commitment
  becomes even stronger.

8
Filter Theory

• Filter Theory assumes people go through
  several filters that increasingly narrows the
  pool of potential mates to only one. The filters
  are
• 1. Propinquity
• 2. Social Background
• 3. Attractiveness
• 4. Compatibility
• 5. Balance Sheet