A Critique of Social Penetration Theory A Critique of Social Penetration Theory

of Dalmas A. Taylor and Irwin Altman

The Social Penetration theory of Altman and Taylor compares people to onions. This may sound rather strange at first, but once you look at the multi-layered nature of people's personality the pieces begin to fit together. According to theorists the main route to social penetration is through self-disclosure. By peeling away the outer layers of an individual's personality you will reach the inner core that is made of values and deep emotions.

Altman and Taylor found that self-disclosure would be the most active at the developing stages of a relationship. However, theorist Authur VanLear found from studies that self-disclosure is shared most frequently in the middle range of social penetration. VanLear also protested that in the penetration process there is no way to measure the insertion process, but instead VanLear found that friendships develop from a quick thrust of the "disclosure blade."

The original theory of Social Penetration made no mention of gender differences in reference to social penetration. In my opinion I think that this is ridiculous. There are numerous differences in the self-disclosure patterns of males and females. There is a great deal of evidence that females disclose personal information more often and sooner then males do in the social penetration process. Also a factor in the difference between male and female disclosure patterns are the breadth and depth of disclosure. Breadth and depth, though equally important do affect relationships of males and females in a different manner. Male relationships can often be characterized by breadth with out a high degree of depth, often resulting in more casual relationships. Females on the other hand seek the need for a human connection according to Genderlect theorist Deborah Tannen. This need for human connection results in more frequent self-disclosure to establish the needed connection.

Altman and Taylor's depenetration process at the closing points of a relationship were described as gradual "layer by layer" process with little intimate disclosure. Psychologists, Betsy Tolstedt and Joseph Stokes analyzed the conversation of long term partners at a time when their relationships were beginning to deteriorate. The conversations proved to be a great deal more chaotic then Altman and Taylor predicted. Additionally, according to marriage counselor's findings the depth of self-disclosure increases at the final stages of a relationship ending.

It seems strange to me that Altman and Taylor applied such an exact numerical value to explain the reward or cost of penetration, when human relationships are so much more complicated and intricate than a "wholesale" value. Human nature is not based around a yes or no perception. Also people do not always do what is best for them, there are actually people that do not have self centered concern for personal gain when entering into a relationship.

A look at Social Penetration Theory from the scientific perspective of the five scientific standards.

Explanation of the Data

The Theory of Social Penetration explains an event or behavior. Social penetration brings clarity and organizes the chaotic process of establishing relationships with self-disclosure. Social penetration focuses our attention on the costs and rewards associated with intimacy. The example used by Griffin was a study involving two college roomates who have just moved in with each other, and the process of social penetration that the two young boys go through.

Prediction of Future Events

Social Penetration Theory predicts the events of a relationship from establishment until deterioration. The process is described in terms of the depth of self-disclosure as intimacy is being achieved. The process of depenetration however, is described as a gradual withdrawal process. Statistical analysis of penetration makes social penetration theory scientific in nature.

Relative Simplicity

I found this particular theory to be one of the easiest theories to grasp as a conceptual whole. The layered onion model mode of presentation allows the theory to be easily understood and applicable to actual relationships.

Hypothesis That Can Be Tested

Any good scientific theory must be testable. Altman and Taylor have drawn closely from Thibaut and Kelley's Social Exchange Theory. Altman and Taylor believe that the principles of the Social Exchange Theory predict when people will risk self-disclosure. The Social Exchange Theory therefore places a value on the rewards or costs of self-disclosure in a relationship.

Practical Utility

For a theory to be scientific it must also be useful and offer practical help for everyday life. Social Penetration Theory is just that. This theory offers information and guidance about relationships in everyday life, from beginning to end. The information offered in Social Penetration Theory gives the communicator an extra edge in understanding the penetration process that occurs through self disclosure.

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