MURSTEIN’S FILTER
THEORY
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Bernard Murstein explained the relationship among
dating, social homogamy, and social exchange as a
multi-step process.
He uses the analogy of ‘sifting’ to suggest that
individuals pass their dates through a series of
‘filters’ to screen out unacceptable marriage
partners.
This process of filtering leads an individual to only
let one acceptable partner through, which ultimately
leads to marriage.
Field of Eligibles

Who is out there, the general population.
Propinquity Filter

Who is close to us. An available group to choose
from. (proximity)
Attraction Filter (Physical
attraction/Personality)

Judgment based on appearance and individual
characteristics
Homogamy Filter
(Age, Race, Education, Socio-Economic
Class, Religion)

Judgment based on how similar these factors are to
the individual.
Compatibility Filter
(Temperment, Attitudes and Values,
Needs, Roles, Habits)

Judgment based on similarities of these more
qualities
Trial Filter
(Cohabitation, Engagement)

Statement of commitment here. Test of the
compatibility of all previous filters.
Decision Filter

Final decision is made here to see if individual is the
right choice.
Marriage