Chapter 11: Problem 4

Why is the similarity-attraction effect weaker in low-relational-mobility contexts?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The similarity-attraction effect is weaker in low-relational-mobility contexts because individuals have limited opportunities to form relationships based on personal preferences, prioritizing other factors such as practical considerations and social obligations. This results in a lower emphasis on finding a similar partner and a weaker similarity-attraction effect.

Step by step solution

Define Key Terms

First, let's define the two main concepts: 1. Similarity-attraction effect: The tendency for individuals to be more attracted to others who are similar to themselves in various aspects, such as attitudes, values, and personality traits. 2. Relational mobility: The degree to which individuals in a society have the opportunities to form, maintain, or dissolve relationships based on their personal preferences, as opposed to forced or unchangeable relationships due to societal norms or constraints.

Explain Low-Relational-Mobility Contexts

Low-relational-mobility contexts refer to societies or situations where individuals have limited choices in forming and maintaining relationships. In these contexts, people are more likely to form relationships based on factors other than personal preferences, such as family ties, social obligations, and practical considerations.

Describe the Role of Relational Mobility in Similarity-Attraction

Now, we need to explain how relational mobility influences the strength of the similarity-attraction effect. In high-relational-mobility contexts, individuals have more freedom to choose their relationships, so they can prioritize similarity as one of the main factors. On the other hand, in low-relational-mobility contexts, individuals do not have the luxury to choose their relationships based on personal preferences, which means other factors might take precedence over similarity.

Explain the Weakening of the Similarity-Attraction Effect in Low-Relational-Mobility Contexts

Finally, we can provide the answer to the exercise: The similarity-attraction effect is weaker in low-relational-mobility contexts because individuals in these societies have limited opportunities to form relationships based on their personal preferences. As a result, people prioritize other factors, such as practical considerations or social obligations, over similarity. In these contexts, finding a similar partner is less important due to the constraints on relationship choices and the higher importance of other factors in relationship formation and maintenance.

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Why is the similarity-attraction effect weaker in low-relational-mobility contexts?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Key Terms

Explain Low-Relational-Mobility Contexts

Describe the Role of Relational Mobility in Similarity-Attraction

Explain the Weakening of the Similarity-Attraction Effect in Low-Relational-Mobility Contexts

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