Friendship and Formations of Sociality in Late Modernity: The Challenge of ‘Post Traditional Intimacy’

Shelley Budgeon

Sociological Research Online, 2006, vol. 11, issue 3, 48-58

Abstract: Starting from the vantage point of a ‘relational ontology’ this paper explores the complex relationship networks of people who are single or are not living with a sexual partner. The ways in which people make sense of the boundaries of their connections is analysed. It is argued that the meaning of individual social bonds emerge relationally and that by asking why and how friendship matters to people, we begin to see what other kinds of interpersonal relationships also mean and why they matter. This lends insights into the ways relational networks operate within conditions of detraditionalisation and the emergence of non-linear life courses. In particular consideration is given to both the epistemic and ethical dimension through which friendship operate in daily life.

Keywords: Friendship; intimacy; individualisation; personal relationships; families of choice; ethics of friendship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socres:v:11:y:2006:i:3:p:48-58

DOI: 10.5153/sro.1248

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