Drawing together research from across the world, this text explores how fundamental differences in cultural values influence the ways in which we form and maintain romantic relationships, raise our children, make friends and communicate with work colleagues and our wider social networks. Common relationship patterns across cultures are examined and competing sociobiological and sociocultural interpretations are discussed. Author Robin Goodwin questions the prevailing assumption of an individuating, selfish world, or the end of relationships. He also challenges research emphasis on...

In one of the great euphemisms of our time, an embattled President Clinton admitted to an "inappropriate relationship" with his White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. But what exactly is an "inappropriate relationship?" For that matter, what is an "appropriate relationship?" And how can an understanding of the rules of "appropriateness" help us understand personal relationships in our modern world?
Contributors to this book discuss the personal boundaries and taboos of modern relationships. Together they examine the power struggles that can occur when individuals are involved in...

In a fast-changing world, what impact does social change have on our everyday relationships? How do modernisation processes influence our broader values, and how might these then affect our desires to marry, have a family and develop our social networks? And how do sudden events in a society invasions, civil conflict, terrorist attacks, collapse of a political system influence our relationship decisions and processes? In this book Goodwin critically reviews the literature on modernisation and contemporary relationships, challenging simplistic conclusions about the end of intimacy and the...