ABSTRACT
Chapter 3, ‘Being young and in love’, examines how young people exercise choice in their lives and how their attitude to relationships has significantly changed by comparison with their parents. The chapter draws on a wide range of contemporary studies, including empirical research undertaken by the Pew Research Center in the US, who have produced a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between Teens, Technology and Romantic Relationships. The report examines the role that social and digital media play in romantic relationships of young people in the US. A wide range of sources show young people are negotiating and reassessing their approach to relationships. Helen Wilmot provides a sociological analysis of the relationship between young women and their opportunities through education and employment and how they construct love and intimacy. Sharon Elley’s research provides a fascinating study of ‘laddishness’ in higher education, and looks at the growth of inappropriate, abusive and misogynistic behaviour in universities. Elley considers the implications of this for gender politics in higher education. Finally, the chapter considers the model of youthful relationships put forward by Kathleen Bogle. She maintains that young people in higher education highlight a pattern of ‘hooking up’ in their association with their peers, which differs significantly from earlier patterns of dating. The chapter also looks at the historical impact of romance comic books on love and romance among young people in Australia, and how many of the stories and images were adapted from an American context to suit an Australian setting.
