Chapter 1: Sociological Perspectives on Relationships

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on relationships, love, attachment styles, and modern dynamics of dating.

Bisexual orientation

Refers to who a person is attracted to or has emotional sexual relationships with, encompassing attraction to multiple genders.

Heterosexism

The assumption that all individuals and relationships are heterosexual.

Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love

A theory that proposes love is made up of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Intimacy

The warmth, closeness, and sharing in a relationship, including emotional and physical aspects.

Passion

Intense feelings, both positive and negative, experienced in love relationships, including sexual desire.

Commitment

The decision and intent to maintain a close relationship despite difficulties or costs.

Secure attachment

A type of attachment characterized by trust and comfort in relationships, leading to healthier adult experiences.

Anxious ambivalent attachment

An insecure attachment style where individuals are preoccupied with relationships and seek more closeness than their partners.

Avoidant attachment

An insecure attachment style where individuals show little anxiety about separation and may resist closeness.

Premature commitment

A reason for breakups where partners commit without fully understanding each other.

Emotional distance

A state where partners feel disconnected or less engaged emotionally in a relationship.

Romance scams

Fraudulent schemes where victims are deceived into sending money based on false romantic intentions.

Cohabitation

Living together in a sexually intimate relationship without formal marriage.

Diversity of family structures

The presence of various types of family forms such as single-parent households, same-sex couples, and childless marriages.