A Critical Lens on Romantic Love: A Response to Bernadette Bawin-Legros

Abstract

In this article the argument is made that the increased concern with the nature of contemporary love relationships overlooks the extent to which such a concern has been a feature of western culture throughout history. Examining these narratives of romantic love challenges the assumption that perceived changes to attitudes towards love, marriage and intimacy are unique characteristics limited to the context of the late 20th century. Thus the need to recognize both continuity and change in seeking to assess and theorize the nature of intimate relationships.