Under-Studied Relationships : Off the Beaten Track

Focuses on the diverse and emergent forms of relationships. This title discusses relationships are often overlooked in the literature, including: lesbian and gay; cultural minority; long-lasting marriages; non-marital cohabitation; long-distance; and work relationships which are simultaneously hierarchical and friendly.

Long-distance relationships, nonmarital cohabitation, and personal relationships over computer networks--all are examples of relationships that are growing in number but that, to date, have not been adequately researched. In Under-Studied Relationships, a talented team of contributors rectifies existing scholarship's tendency to ignore the diverse and emergent forms of relationships that are increasingly evident in modern society. Contributors to this impressive volume examine such largely overlooked issues as long-lasting marriages, cultural minority relationships, gay/lesbian relationships, friendships at work, nonmarital cohabitation, long-distance relationships, and personal relationships over computer networks. With the dawning of commuter marriages, electronically mediated friendships, and "microwave relationships," this volume cultivates an appreciation of the pluralistic characteristics of relationship life and encourages the expansion of research efforts in this field. Under-Studied Relationships serves as an ideal resource for scholars and students in social psychology, family studies, gender studies, interpersonal communication, clinical and counseling psychology, and sociology.