FAMILY AND INTIMACY - FAMILY CAREERS AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PRIVATE LIFE

This article addresses the transformation of intimacy in modern societ ies. It examines both structural and ideological changes in relation t o gender, work and family life careers to explain the new emphasis on mutual self-disclosure, the 'pure relationship', as the basis for inti mate personal relationships. Patterns of leaving home, serial partneri ng before marriage, greater equality within marriage, the effect of di vorce and subsequent repartnering, the aging of the population, all ha ve consequences for the nature of intimacy between adults and between adults and children. Structures of work and gender differentiation are seen as central to such changes in 'the work of love'.