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Love Lives at a Distance: Distance Relationships over the Lifecourse

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  • Mary Holmes

Abstract

Distance relationships may be increasingly undertaken by dual-career couples at some point in their life course. Although this can make it difficult to quantitatively measure the extent of distance relating, qualitative analysis of distance relationships promises to give considerable insight into the changing nature of intimate lives across the life course. This paper indicates the kind of insights offered via analysis of exploratory research into distance relating in Britain. What begins to emerge is a picture of distance relating as offering certain possibilities in relation to the gendered organisation of emotional labour and of care in conjunction with the pursuit, especially of professional, careers. These possibilities might be more realistic, however, at certain points in the life course. Nevertheless, this new form of periods of separation between partners, tell us a considerable amount about how people approach the challenges of maintaining a satisfying and egalitarian intimate life, involving caring relationships with others, within contemporary social conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Holmes, 2006. "Love Lives at a Distance: Distance Relationships over the Lifecourse," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 11(3), pages 70-80, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:11:y:2006:i:3:p:70-80
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.1423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. A. E. Green, 1997. "A Question of Compromise? Case Study Evidence on the Location and Mobility Strategies of Dual Career Households," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(7), pages 641-657.
    2. Ermisch, John, 2000. "Personal relationships and marriage expectations: evidence from the 1998 British Household Panel Study," ISER Working Paper Series 2000-27, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Shuang Qiu, 2020. "Chinese ‘Study Mothers’ in Living Apart Together (LAT) Relationships: Educational Migration, Family Practices, and Gender Roles," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 25(3), pages 405-420, September.

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