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Internet Dating deals primarily with the experiences of UK and Australian daters, examining their online accounts to see what kinds of narratives, norms, emotions and 'chemistry' shape their dating.
Has the emergence and growth of internet dating changed the dating landscape for the better? Most commentators, popular and academic, ask whether online dating is more efficient for individuals than offline dating. We prefer a socio-political perspective. In particular, the book illustrates the extent to which internet dating can advance gender and sexual equality. Drawing on the voices of internet daters themselves, we show that internet dating reveals how social change often arises in the unassuming, everyday and familiar.
We also pay attention to often ignored older daters and include consideration of daters in Africa, Scandinavia, South America, Asia and the Middle East. Throughout, we explore the pitfalls and pleasures of men and women daters navigating unconventional directions towards more equitable social relations.
List of contents
1. Introduction
2. Nutter Narratives and the Boundaries of Heterosexual Gender Norms Online
3. The New Norms and Etiquette of Internet Dating
4. Emotionally Exciting Novel Heterosexual Practices?
5. Chemistry
6. Older Internet Dating: Over 50 and Beyond
7. In an International Frame
8. Conclusion
About the author
Chris Beasley is Emerita Professor and Fellow of Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Adelaide. Her recent book is The Cultural Politics of Contemporary Hollywood Film: Power, Culture and Society (2019), co-authored with Heather Brook. Her research interests include socio-political theory, gender, sexuality, care, intimacy, men and masculinities studies, cultural politics and popular film.
Mary Holmes is Professor of Emotions and Society, Department of Sociology, University of Edinburgh. Her most recent book is Young Refugees and Forced Displacement: Navigating Everyday Life in Beirut (2020), co-authored with Riga, L., Holmes, M., Dakessian, A, Langer, J. and Anderson, D. Her research interests include emotions, intimacy, heterosexuality and gender.
Summary
Internet Dating deals primarily with the experiences of UK and Australian daters, examining their online accounts to see what kinds of narratives, norms, emotions, and ‘chemistry’ shape their dating.
