The Precariousness of Choice in the New Sentimental Order: A Response to Bawin-Legros

The contention made by Giddens, among others, that intimacy has transformed due to processes of individualization is appraised in this article. With a specific emphasis on the degree of choice now said to be inherent in intimate relationships, consideration is given to the gendered nature of negotiating choice and how gendered inequality is often reproduced as a result. This is illustrated by research on distance relationships.