136 - Plenary Session. Modern Romance: Dating, Mating, and Marriage

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

When American sociologists initially studied modern romance about a century ago, they discovered that most people were fiercely parochial. Americans generally dated and mated within their hometowns, and in big cities they often married someone who lived within a few blocks. This session explores the transformation of modern romance over the past century, paying particular attention to recent changes related to the Internet, globalization, the rising status of women, the acceptance of non-conventional sexual relationships, and the search for a soul mate. The panelists, who come from inside and outside the academy, will assess how singles manage the expanded options available to them today, and examine emerging attitudes about and experiences in committed relationships and marriages.

Sub Unit

• Plenary and Presidential Panels

Session Organizer

• Eric Klinenberg, New York University

Presider

• Eric Klinenberg, New York University

Panelists

• Aziz Ansari, Independent Actor and Comedian

• Christian Rudder, OK Cupid

• Helen Fisher, State University of New Jersey-Rutgers

• Eli Finkel, Northwestern University