Valori europene în relațiile intime. Studiu comparativ

Abstract

The paper explores contemporary values that guide behaviour in intimate relationships. The approach is comparative, focusing on eight countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy). The Analysis is structured in three parts: 1. A theoretical discussion concerning the changes in intimate relationships brought about by modernization. The discussion is centred on the concepts of romantic love and pure relationship (A. Giddens) 2. Comparative analysis of eight countries mentioned above (1999), concerning four issues: • Family behaviour, • Tolerance towards non-conventional intimate behaviours (homosexuality, prostitution, abortion, divorce, casual sex, adultery), • Requirements for a good marriage, and • Valuing participation of women in paid work. 3. Comparative analysis of the Romanian society in the period of 1993-1999, assessing the changes that appeared along the same for directions.