Couple relationships in a global context : understanding love and intimacy across cultures

Abstract

Living in a couple relationship is the most popular choice for adult persons worldwide. This remains true in spite of widespread changes, such as evolving family forms and lifestyles and corresponding changes in family law; a rise in self-chosen or circumstantial singledom; and the broader realities of globalization, migration, and the pervasiveness of technology. True to our systemic understanding, through this volume we seek to provide a global perspective on couple relationships which takes into account both culture and context. In spite of the apparent dichotomy between collectivist and individualistic cultures, we contend that there are common themes and a shared humanity that unite us across continents. This search for what unites us is what urged us to deepen our understanding of couple relationships beyond the western perspective within which much contemporary literature is set. [Excerpt from Preface]