Julia Carter
After completing my MA in Women's Studies (Social Research) in the Centre I have been given the opportunity to continue studying here for a PhD with the help of ESRC funding. My MA dissertation explored the ways in which young heterosexual British women perceive intimate relationships in a climate of supposed selfishness and self-satisfaction in romantic partnerships. I hope to continue this theme in my PhD research with a closer focus on marriage and to what extent this is still an important institution for young heterosexual women.
Rising divorce rates, increased separations and more temporary relationships among young people has led some theorists to suggests that there is a transformation of intimacy in modern society (Giddens, 1992). This transformation has led to the emergence of the 'pure relationship' that is based on self-satisfaction for the individuals involved (Giddens, 1992). My research is concerned with discovering to what extent modern marriages conform to this 'pure relationship' model and are considered to be temporary and contingent on satisfaction. I will focus on the meaning of marriage for young heterosexual women; their marriage aspirations in relation to their ideal age for marriage, career prospects and permanence; and marriage expectations of young women, whether they intend married life to be based on more equal or traditional values and how they expect marriage will impact on their identities.
The media and politicians appear to view marriage and family values as being in a state of crisis and in need of fixing. Yet I would like to present the other side of the debate highlighting the positive aspects of the fluidity of family and intimate relations, suggesting that an increase in temporary relationships does not necessarily indicate a rejection of commitment, and that the family unit is not necessarily always the perfect environment for bringing up children.