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Why do people live apart together?
Duncan, Simon Carter, J. Phillips, M.
Duncan, Simon
Carter, J.
Phillips, M.
Publication Date
2013-09
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Abstract
Interpretations of living apart together (LAT) have typically counter-posed 'new family form' versus 'continuist' perspectives. Recent surveys, however, construct LAT as a heterogeneous category that supports a 'qualified continuist' position - most people live apart as a response to practical circumstances or as a modern version of 'boy/girlfriend', although a minority represents something new in preferring to live apart more permanently. This article interrogates this conclusion by examining in depth why people live apart together, using a nationally representative survey from Britain and interview accounts from 2011. Our analysis shows that LAT as a category contains different sorts of relationship, with different needs and desires. While overall coupledom remains pivotal and cohabitation remains the goal for most, LAT allows people flexibility and room to manoeuvre in adapting couple intimacy to the demands of contemporary life. Hence, we suggest, LAT is both 'new' and a 'continuation'.
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published version paper
Citation
Duncan, S., Carter, J. and Phillips, M. (2013). Why do people live apart together?Families, Relationships and Societies, 2 (3), pp. 323-338.
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The full text of the published article is open access. Full text of the author's final draft was released to the Repository 09/10/2014 at the end of the publisher's embargo period.