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Romantic Relationships and Age Differences

Jenny Lipponen

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Artist Statement

Romance should be a mutually wanted, unrestricted affair

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Table of ContentsCover Page

Artist Statement

Research Overview/ Background Story

Series of 12 Photographs, an day in the life Conclusion

Sources

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Research Overview

During the early 1800s, couples needed to marry to survive economically; notably, men were not encouraged to marry until they could provide a home and income.

Rather than the interdependent relationship between the husband and wife of rural colonial times, by the mid-19th century there was an evident separation of the sexes in the workforce. Such an act caused the initial meetings between potential partners to take place during church services, dances, or holiday events with chaperones.

Furthermore, a couple at this time was only able to have private time when in the home of the female to guard the purity of the young woman.

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When families had limited space in the home, with increasing urbanization many young people saw this less formal system of courtship as an opportunity to introduce “dating,” the new pastime of the 20th century. It not only changed the man’s access to a woman and direct economic awareness but also transformed the balance of power. Cohabitation also began to exist at this time thus the delay of marriages was apparent.

Age differences may arise when a man seeks a younger woman due to indications of fertility while a woman could desire an older man for his greater resources – this concept is known as the age differential effect.

Today, marriage is still highly valued, although, it is occurring later in life for many. The median age at first marriage is about 28.3 years for men and 25.8 for women.

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Large age differences, usually considered ten years or more, in romantic relationships are often frowned upon; yet some see them as a way to appreciate the offerings of a different generation while considering a new perspective, as long as the relationship is legal and mutually wanted.

Problems to keep in mind with age gaps:- Viability of the relationship, especially if children are

wanted- Insecurity of your partner, perhaps financially- Motivations: seeking a romance or a parental figure- Generational differences, for example in terms of music,

politics, historical awareness

The typical age range for romantic partners are between two to four years in difference, if not less than that.

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Photography Series

Description of Intent: Capturing the different aspects of a romantic relationship via a day in the life, age differences are symbolized

- Closeness- Youthful Actions- How Times Change- A Moment’s Stop- Quiet Peace- Personal Growth- Different Sizes- Appreciation- Curiosity- Aspects of Age- A Welcome Sip- The Lines of Life

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ConclusionThe world needs to be a more accepting, loving place

Increasing cultural changes and the emergence of economic equality may alter the dynamic for romantic relationships where age difference is a factor

Age differences may not be as important as other considerations to a couple who are of legal age, such as compatible personality, so it should not be for anyone outside the relationship

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Sources

Fisher, Helen E. Strong, Greg Aron, Arthur. “Romantic Love.” Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Credo Reference. Web. 23 April 2014.

Ogolsky, Brian G.; Lloyd, Sally A.; Cate, Rodney M. The Developmental Course of Romantic Relationships. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis, 2013. Ebook Library. 5-29. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.

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Romantic Relationships and Age Differences

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Jenny Lipponen