Abstract
This opening chapter introduces the volume by providing an overview of the literature in intimacy studies as well as an account of the transformation of love provided by Eva Illouz. Here we start to point to the specific areas within Illouz’s argument that this volume contends with, including dis-embedded individualism, changes in the architecture and ecology of choice and romantic suffering. We go on to discuss some of Illouz’s key contributions, including her influence on the work of others (such as Swen Seebach). We then provide an overview of the chapters in this collection. Finally, we note some of the key overarching themes within this volume including temporalities and the life course of relationships, relationship transitions, material realities, gendered violence and suffering wretchedness and disappointment.
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Carter, J., Arocha, L. (2020). Introduction. In: Carter, J., Arocha, L. (eds) Romantic Relationships in a Time of ‘Cold Intimacies’. Palgrave Macmillan Studies in Family and Intimate Life. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29256-0_1
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