Thesis
From Romance to Friendship: Deconstructing the Cultural Superiority of Romantic Relationships
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Iowa
Spring 2024
Abstract
In view of amatonormativity—the pervasive norm in Western societies that characterizes a life centered around a romantic relationship as superior to that comprised solely of friendships—this thesis examines the prevailing value-laden distinction between romantic and platonic relationships within Western societies, highlighting that the privileges extended to romantic relationships undermine the potential fulfillment of friendships. It argues that the distinction between these types of relationships is not substantiated by the properties unique to romantic relationships, namely, sexual intimacy and exclusivity. Many romantic relationships do not possess these distinctive features, and those that do are not inherently more fulfilling than friendships. Moreover, this analysis suggests that the distinction drawn between platonic and romantic love is seemingly primitive insofar as the features some scholars suggest are indicative of romantic love are sine qua non for fulfilling experiences of both romantic and platonic love. This thesis thus challenges the conventional valuation that distinguishes romantic relationships from friendships as fundamentally distinct and superior. It posits that this distinction is largely arbitrary and culturally constructed, concluding that comparable emotional investment and dedication in friendships could yield the same kind of love and relationship satisfaction as ideal romantic partnerships.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- From Romance to Friendship: Deconstructing the Cultural Superiority of Romantic Relationships
- Creators
- Connor K Hartig - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Carrie Figdor (Advisor) - University of IowaDiane Jeske (Mentor) - University of IowaDavid Cunning (Committee Member) - University of IowaKatarina Perovic (Committee Member) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Project Type
- Honors Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Philosophy
- Date degree season
- Spring 2024
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 60 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2024 Connor K. Hartig
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- CLAS Honors Theses
- Record Identifier
- 9984651452802771
Metrics
23 File views/ downloads
79 Record Views