Detraditionalization Of Marriage Essay

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Recommended: Explain the transformation of intimacy by anthony giddens

Has Intimacy become detraditionalised in contemporary society? Sociologist such as Anthony Giddens, Zygmund Bauman and Beck and Beck Gernsheim would argue intimate couple relationships no longer hold the same traditional values they once did. Certain institutions such as marriage are no longer important because couples in society are now in relationships that they can leave when they no longer satisfy them. However sociologist such as Lynn Jamieson and Jenny Van Hooff would disagree with this, Suggesting there has instead been continuity. Individuals still hold traditional values as important in their lives. This essay will look at Giddens theory on the pure relationship and to what extent it portrays contemporary intimate relationships. Then further go on to look at the effects of consumerism and whether contemporary love is now regarded as a commodity to be consumed.

Many sociologists, such as Anthony Giddens (1992), argue that intimacy within couples has been transformed in contemporary society. Giddens (1992) argues that couple relationships have now become detraditionalised due to a decline of traditional roles males and females play in society. The idea of romantic love (developed in the late 18th century) of having the one and only, no longer exists. Romantic love has been transformed into confluent love, which is a characteristic of the pure relationship. Giddens believes that relationships between couples have developed from what were partnerships between unequals to what are now partnerships between equals. Individuals now enter into relationships for what they can get from the other person and these relationships end when what they get is no longer satisfactory to either individual (Giddens 1992). From this Giddens ...

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...sis of his argument, which does not show why there has been a decline in marriage and an increase in divorce rates. Giddens theory therefore cannot be generalisable to all couples in society and does not in tern provide a strong support to the detraditionalisation theory.
There has been evidence however that some aspects of couple relationships have become detraditionalised. Homosexual couples are now more accepted in society than they were, with heterosexuality no longer regarded as the 'normal' sexuality. This has been evident with changed in the law. There has also been evidence that intimate relationships have now become commodities. Individuals now choose a relationship based on the financial benefits they will gain from it and marriage is now only about putting on a performance and showing other their social status. Contemporary love is Commercialised love.

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