Love and structure
Article Abstract:
Romantic love is not limited to modern Western society, as some social theorists have assumed. Idealization of the other is the essential feature of romantic love, not sexual attraction. Three basic cultural configurations of romantic love can be distinguished. One occurs in societies that are highly structured and internally competitive, where romantic love is an alternative to established social forms. Love and marriage are connected in more fluid, individualistic societies, which include both modern and hunting and gathering societies. Group-oriented, non-individualistic cultures have an institutionalized period of sexual freedom and romance before marriage.
Publication Name: Theory, Culture & Society
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0263-2764
Year: 1998
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The Nazi eye code of falling in love: bright eyes, black heart, crazed gaze
Article Abstract:
Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenin' points to an eye code in Western culture that contains an element of Nazi ideology. The eyes of a woman in love are thought to radiate a light, and when that love meets with opposition it can turn to a hatred of human life. As Tolstoy suggests, the eye code of love involves the abandonment of reason for a cruel mysticism that carries the potential for Nazism.
Publication Name: Theory, Culture & Society
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0263-2764
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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