HISTORY OF IDEAS - Dating

The School of Life2 minutes read

Strategic family relationships in history gave way to romantic love based on personal emotions, challenging social norms and leading to greater happiness in relationships guided by instinct and sentiment. The evolution of dating from the fading tradition of chaperones to modern independence, emotional connection, sexual exploration, and wide partner search culminated in the approval of the first oral contraceptive pill in 1960.

Insights

  • Historical relationships were often based on strategic alliances rather than personal emotions, as seen in the engagement of Tudor Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon at a young age.
  • The evolution of dating from the 18th to the 20th century, as depicted through literary works like "Julie," "Eva Cherry," and "Charley's Aunt," highlights a transition towards relationships driven by personal emotions, happiness, independence, and intimacy, culminating in the modern era characterized by sexual exploration and emotional connections.

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Recent questions

  • What is the historical significance of strategic family relationships in marriages?

    Strategic family relationships in marriages have been a historical norm, as seen in the treaty between England and Spain in 1489 that engaged two-year-old Tudor Prince Arthur to three-year-old Catherine of Aragon. This practice focused on political alliances and power dynamics rather than personal feelings, showcasing how marriages were often used as tools for strengthening political ties and securing power.

  • How did the novel "Julie" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau challenge social norms?

    The novel "Julie" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, published in 1761, challenged social norms by advocating for relationships based on personal emotions rather than class distinctions. This marked a shift towards valuing romantic love over strategic alliances, emphasizing the importance of genuine feelings and emotional connections in relationships rather than societal expectations based on social status.

  • What does the novel "Eva Cherry" by Federico D. Roberto emphasize about relationships?

    The novel "Eva Cherry" by Federico D. Roberto, written in 1855, emphasizes that relationships guided by instinct and sentiment lead to greater happiness than those based on reason or social propriety. This highlights the importance of following one's emotions and instincts in relationships, suggesting that genuine connections and emotional fulfillment are key to achieving happiness in romantic partnerships.

  • How did the play "Charley's Aunt" portray dating traditions?

    The play "Charley's Aunt," written in 1892, humorously portrayed the fading tradition of chaperones in dating, signaling a move towards more independent and intimate relationships. This shift indicated a changing societal attitude towards dating, moving away from strict supervision and towards more freedom and autonomy in romantic interactions.

  • What impact did the approval of the first oral contraceptive pill have on dating?

    The approval of the first oral contraceptive pill by the FDA in 1960 marked a significant shift towards dating involving sex, leading to the modern era of dating characterized by independence, emotional connection, sexual exploration, and a wide search for partners. This development revolutionized dating practices by providing individuals with more control over their reproductive choices, leading to greater freedom in exploring relationships and sexual experiences.

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Summary

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Evolution of Dating Norms Through History

  • In 1489, a treaty between England and Spain engaged two-year-old Tudor Prince Arthur to three-year-old Catherine of Aragon, showcasing the historical norm of strategic family relationships devoid of personal feelings.
  • In 1761, the novel "Julie" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau challenges social norms by advocating for relationships based on personal emotions rather than class distinctions, setting the stage for a shift towards romantic love.
  • By 1855, the novel "Eva Cherry" by Federico D. Roberto emphasizes that relationships guided by instinct and sentiment lead to greater happiness than those based on reason or social propriety.
  • In 1892, the play "Charley's Aunt" humorously portrays the fading tradition of chaperones in dating, signaling a move towards more independent and intimate relationships.
  • In 1960, the approval of the first oral contraceptive pill by the FDA marks a significant shift towards dating involving sex, leading to the modern era of dating characterized by independence, emotional connection, sexual exploration, and a wide search for partners.
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