Perceptions and experiences of intimate relationships held by middle-class women and men in Eldorado Park : a coloured perspective on intimacy

M.A. (Sociology)Abstract: The research explored the perceptions and experiences of Coloured middle-class women and men in heterosexual cohabiting relationships. The study aim was to gain an understanding of the ideologies that these women and men had about intimacy and about gender roles in cohabiting settings. It reflected on the intersections of class, race, gender, and intimacy. While most research on Black middle class in the South African context place great emphasis on understanding current manifestations and experiences of this group, it does not look at Black middle-classness and intimacy. This study espouses the idea that appreciating intimate experiences within Black middle-class spaces is equally important. In order to achieve the study aims, a qualitative methodology was used. A total of 20 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 women and 10 men living with their intimate partners. The data collected from these interviews were then..