11. A Suitable Match: A Study of Class in Same-Gender Relationships

• In Event: 408 - Visual Media Poster Presentation

Abstract

There has been increasing sociological interest in the relevance of class in how we make, enact and sustain intimate relationships. Looking in particular at how relationships tend to be rationally founded in shared values, lifestyles and tastes, which are themselves rooted in classed practices. However, existing research has exclusively focused on how class provides a framework for choice within the heterosexual relationship. Using in-depth interview data this research investigates how class was managed within the site of the same-gender relationship. An estimated 5-7% of people in the UK identify Lesbian, Gay and Bi, this research paper looks at how a reduced number of potential partners enables more cross-class meetings and subsequently the potential for more cross-class relationships to form. Utilising the work of Pierre Bourdieu this research explores how partners were met, chosen and how, where difference existed, this was navigated. Whilst there was a significant number of cross-class relationships found within this research these tended to be between older same-gender couples, and there was evidence to suggest that with great social acceptance and legitimation of same-gender relationships more class based methods of distinction were being deployed by younger participants when selecting a potential partner.

Author

• Nell Beecham, London School of Economics and Political Science