Psychology of Attraction and Mate Selection

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the nine psychological tasks required for a happy marriage?

Building a close bond with your partner

Making more money than your partner (correct)

Dealing with hardships without the relationship falling apart

Keeping alive the early romance of love

Support and comfort are important strategies for managing conflict in relationships.

True

What is one characteristic of marriages that are made to last?

Affection or respect

Wallerstein identified nine psychological tasks required for a happy marriage. One of them is to express your ______.

feelings Signup and view all the answers

Match the following psychological tasks with their descriptions:

Task 1 = Move on emotionally from family Task 2 = Have a good sex life Task 3 = Support each other through hardships Task 4 = Keep alone time with your partner Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that similarity and proximity are important factors in attraction?

Social Homogamy Signup and view all the answers

Companionate marriage is characterized by intimacy and independence.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of exchange theory in the context of marriage?

Reciprocity in relationships Signup and view all the answers

The _______ stage in marriage is often characterized by romantic feelings and exploring one another.

honeymoon Signup and view all the answers

Match the marriage stages with their primary characteristics:

Honeymoon = Intimacy and idealization Conflict = Demand for needs to be met Compromise = Negotiation and stable relationships Marriage Cycle = Adjustments during various life stages Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains the tendency for older men to marry younger women?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

The life course perspective views marriage as a rite of passage.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the three stages in the marriage cycle?

Adjustment of marriage, birth of a child, retirement Signup and view all the answers

The _______ theory focuses on the roles individuals take on within a relationship.

symbolic interactionism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a functionalist perspective on marriage?

Marriage as a social norm signaling adult status Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Attraction

People are drawn to those similar to them, sharing common interests and values.
Proximity plays a role, with a likelihood of relationships failing if distance is significant.
Mere exposure effect: liking those around us more over time.
Media depicts idealized relationships and physical standards, reinforcing stereotypes.
Diverse representations of relationships challenge traditional views, promoting inclusivity.

Theories of Mate Selection

Evolutionary: Modern humans inherited mating strategies for resource acquisition, survival, and reproduction.
- Women prioritize resources in a partner for child-rearing, while men prefer partners able to bear healthy children.
Social Homogamy: "Like attracts like": couples often share similar characteristics, including race, religion, and socioeconomic background.
- They often share the same lifestyle activities.
Ideal Mate Theory: A symbolic interaction theory, suggesting an image of the ideal partner based on physical traits, personality, and family.

Attraction as Fair Exchange

Social exchange theory: people consider both what they have to offer and desire in a partner.
- These qualities might include appearance, intelligence, and other maternal or personal qualities.

Applying Theoretical Perspectives

Evolutionary: Older men may seek younger women for perceived fertility.
Exchange: Younger women may exchange their youth and beauty for stability, wealth, or experience.
Social Homogamy: This trend may reflect societal expectations regarding gender roles.

Dating and Courtship

Script theory: Dating follows social and cultural scripts that include behaviors (e.g., asking for a date, making preparations) and expectations (e.g., exclusivity, holding hands) and gender roles.
Courtship: A period where couples display behaviors to demonstrate suitability as mates, with different roles for men and women.

Online Dating Filtering

Murstein's Filter Theory suggests that people filter through potential partners until they select a compatible mate.
Social exchange and cost-benefit analysis: individuals weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different partners.

Whyte's Study of Marital Success

Studies of marital happiness highlights the importance of equality, conflict resolution, and sharing responsibilities.
- Stable and satisfying marriages are based on these factors.
Shared values, communication, and economic stability are also highlighted as significant components.

Historical Perspectives on Courtship

Historical aspects of love styles, including mania, pragma, ludus, agape, storge, and the love triangle, are identified.

Why People Marry

Exchange theory (reciprocity): Individuals evaluate the costs and benefits of marriage and make informed choices.
Symbolic interactionism: Relationships are shaped by interpretations of self and others, playing out in roles and meanings.

Gender Roles and Division of Labor

1955 advice to a wife: Emphasized traditional roles (men as breadwinners; women as homemakers)
Contemporary shifts: More egalitarian roles, with women increasingly participating in the workforce and men doing more domestic tasks.
Structural functionalism: Recognizes the instrumental roles (men) and expressive roles (women) in traditional family dynamics.

Conflict, Influence, and Problem Solving

Conflicts in marriage can arise from differing expectations, communication breakdown, financial issues, and other sources of disagreement.

Conflict Resolution

Systems theory: Relationships are interconnected systems, so changes in one part affect the whole.
- Emphasis on understanding patterns and dynamics.
Strategies: Effective communication, compromise, collaboration, and seeking support.
Conflict avoidance: Addressing less impactful disagreements to avoid escalation.

Resolving Conflict

Systems Theory: Relationships as interconnected systems where changes in one part affect the whole.
Effective Communication: Clear expression of needs and active listening.
Compromise and Collaboration: Finding solutions that satisfy both partners.
Seeking Support: Counseling or mediation.

Marital Success

Marriages based on affection, humor, appreciation, and respect are more likely to succeed.
Wallerstein identified nine psychological tasks for happy/successful marriages.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating dynamics of attraction and theories behind mate selection. Understand how similarities, proximity, and societal influences shape our relationships. This quiz delves into evolutionary perspectives, social homogamy, and ideals in mate choices.