SOC366H1

Intimate Relationships

This course provides an in-depth examination of intimate relationships across the lifecourse, with an emphasis on sociological theoretical perspectives, contextual factors, and key sociological policy debates. We will consider trends in the development and maintenance of intimate relationships, and the ways relationships are contingent upon the social fabric of society. Drawing on historical, sociological, demographic, economic, and psychological perspectives, we will discuss changes in dating, union formation, household relationships, and intimacy. Special attention will be paid to the ways modern romance can operate differently by social groups (i.e., gender, sexual orientation, race, and social class), with heterogeneity in the meaning and implications.