In this thesis I discuss how the social and technological changes that occurred at the end of the 20th century transformed intimacy and the perception of partnerships and love in general in the 21st century. The main research question I asked myself is: how have social and technological changes transformed understandings of intimacy and partnerships in the 21st century? I answer this research question based on an analysis of secondary scientific literature. I include the processes of individualization, consumerism, the era of risk, and general uncertainty among social changes, which have significantly transformed modern society. In doing so, I rely on Giddens’ theory of “pure relationship”, the concept of “emotional capitalism” according to Illouz, the characteristics of Bauman’s “liquid modernity” and Beck’s theory of “risk society”. In connection with technological changes, I focus on internet romances and dating applications. The main finding of my work is that partnership relationships and intimacy have not lost their place in society and their importance, but changes such as individualization and consumerism have significantly cut into the private sphere and placed more burden and responsibility on the individual – consequently, also in their understanding of intimacy and partnership.
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