Chapter 7 – “Becoming a Couple”
In groups of 2 or 3, read pages 200 – 209. While you are reading, define/jot key notes
on the four theories of attraction and mate selection (what attracts us to a certain
person and makes us want to marry that particular person?)
The Theory of Evolutionary Psychology
The Theory of Social Homogamy
The Theory of the Ideal Mate
The Theory of Attraction as Fair Exchange
Now discuss these questions and record your answers/be ready to share them with the
class.
1) Which theory best explains the cliché “like attracts like for me”? Explain your
answer.
2) Many couples are described as being the opposite of their mate. Which theory
best explains this description and why?
3) Do you feel that couples who are opposites are a good fit? Why or why not?
4) How are theories of mate selection and attraction useful tools when selecting a
mate?
5) What other factors may influence mate selection? Why?
6) Which mate selection theory do you find the most plausible? Which mate
selection theory do you find the least plausible? Why?
Assignment:
Design a questionnaire in order to test the “theory of homogamy” (people choose a
partner based on similarities like level of education, income level, religion, values, social
class, political views, similar interests, appearance at time of marriage, similar age,
similar ethnic background, similar race etc.) Choose five questions (as a group) that you
would feel comfortable asking of couples (and that will prove or disprove this theory),
and then three couples each (as individuals) that you would feel comfortable
interviewing. Come back with your responses tomorrow, compare them with your group,
and decide to what extent do the couples represented in your questionnaire fit the
homogamy theory of mate selection.