Psicologia em Revista
Print version ISSN 1677-1168
Abstract
CAVALCANTI CHAVES, Jacqueline. The perceptions of youths about love relationships in today’s world. Psicol. rev. (Belo Horizonte) [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.1, pp.28-46. ISSN 1677-1168.
This paper aims to discuss the youths’ heterogeneous perceptions of love relationships in today’s world. A theoretical framework based on human and social sciences was used, and twelve interviews were held with middle-class youths, aged 18 to 25, living in Rio de Janeiro. The analysis of the material shows how perceptions vary between two extremes: some see current relationships as akin to those of former times, while others perceive them as disorganized, unstable, insecure and fragile. The first group considers each person responsible for choosing the type of relationship that best suits him or her at each moment in life. To the other group, what matters is to notice the expressions of disrespect, mistrust and intolerance characteristic of many connections, and to attempt to construct relationships that are more satisfactory for both partners
Keywords : love; love relationships; gender; youth; the contemporary world.