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Sex, Love and Security: Accounts of Distance and Commitment in Living Apart Together Relationships.
Carter, J. Duncan, Simon Stoilova, M. Phillips, M.
Carter, J.
Duncan, Simon
Stoilova, M.
Phillips, M.
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Copyright statement: © 2015 The Authors. The final, definitive version of this paper has been published in Sociology, online before print March 31st 2015, by SAGE Publications Ltd.
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Abstract
Drawing on a 2011 national survey and 50 semi-structured interviews, we explore the differing
ways in which those in living apart together (LAT) relationships discuss and experience notions
of commitment. We found that sexual exclusivity in LAT relationships is expected by the large
majority, regardless of their reasons for living apart. The majority of the interviewees also
expressed a high degree of commitment to their partner in terms of love, care and intimacy,
alongside an appreciation of the increased freedom and autonomy that living apart has to offer.
Respondents were divided into four groups according to their perceived commitment: 1.
Autonomous commitment, 2. Contingent commitment, 3. Ambivalent commitment, and 4. Limited
commitment. Despite differing degrees of commitment, however, the overall finding was that the
importance of relating and making relational decisions was central, even in the lives of those living
in such unconventional relationship styles.
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Carter J, Duncan S, Stoilova M and Phillips M (2016) Sex, love and security: accounts of distance and commitment in living apart together relationships. Sociology. 50(3): 576-583.
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