A master thesis from Aalborg University
og de levede lykkeligt... indtil videre: om betingelserne for det lange, gode parforhold
[And They Lived Happily Ever After... So Far: On the Conditions of the Long, Good Relationship]
Forfatter(e)
Semester
4. semester
Uddannelse
Udgivelsesår
2025
Afleveret
2025-05-29
Antal sider
90 pages
Abstract
This thesis examines love as a phenomenon with the aim of advancing knowledge about the current conditions of the good, long-lasting romantic relationship. Additionally, we aspire to gain a better understanding of how romantic relationships developed through time, what constitutes a good relationship and lastly, what makes a relationship last in the long run. These topics will be explored through a review of the history of love and an evaluation of selected theories about love. Firstly, we will review the landmark events in the history of love. Furthermore, we include Sternberg’s Triangular Love Theory to understand what love consists of. Bowlby’s Attachment Theory highlights a person’s ability to engage in a romantic relationship with another person. Fromm’s philosophical theory about the art of loving shows how much work it takes to maintain a loving relationship. Giddens’ analysis of society contributes with knowledge about what it takes for us to stay in our relationships in modernity. Lastly, Illouz’ perspective helps us understand the terms of being in a romantic relationship in contemporary society. The phenomenon is talked widely about in the media. Therefore, we include podcasts and documentaries about love and relationships to elucidate the current ideals about romantic relationships. Psychological and sociological theories and historical accounts combined with data collected from the media enable a comprehensive understanding of how love evolved over time, and the contemporary conception of love and relationships. Furthermore, the thesis sheds light on the circumstances that contribute to long-lasting relationships and the possible motivations for committing to a relationship. We discovered that the understanding of romantic love has changed over time. The terms of commitment have changed and it is now more difficult, because the individual has trouble choosing between freedom and commitment, phenomena which hardly align in contemporary society. In contemporary Western society, the ideal is not so much about a long-lasting relationship as it is about happiness for the individual. We no longer believe that there is only one person out there for us, and sex is highly associated with the satisfaction of the relationship. Ultimately, we can conclude that a romantic relationship needs to be satisfactory for both individuals if it should last in the long run.
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