A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

According to Giddens, traditional relationships are typically based on what concept?

1. Economic cooperation

2. Romantic love and idealization

3. Parenting responsibilities

4. Long-term commitment to family

The correct answer is: Romantic love and idealization

Giddens posits that traditional relationships are often characterized by romantic love and idealization. This perspective reflects a shift from earlier sociological views that emphasized economic cooperation or social arrangements in relationships. Romantic love implies a deep emotional connection and personal attraction, which play a crucial role in forming the basis of relationships today. In traditional contexts, relationships were often formed through social and economic arrangements, where the practical aspects of partnership, such as financial stability or property exchange, were prioritized. Giddens' argument highlights how contemporary understandings of personal relationships value emotional bonds and the idealization of partners, moving away from purely utilitarian perspectives. The idealization involved in romantic love can lead individuals to engage in lifelong commitments that are marked by mutual affection and support. This influences the way relationships are formed and sustained, making emotional connection a central tenet in modern understandings of partnership. The other options, while relevant in various contexts, do not capture Giddens' emphasis on the personal emotional dimensions that underpin romantic love in traditional relationships.