However, oddly enough, Freud also posits the idea that all individuals are innately bi-sexual and can be attracted to both sexes. However, through the social constraints of modern society, most individuals are driven to only accept one sex as suitable to fall in love with, (Malakh-Pines 155). Thus love becomes a product of our repression of our true sexual desires.
Another modern sociological theory exploring the phenomenon of love is that presented by Erich Fromm in the 1950s. In his the Art of Loving first published in 1956, Fromm composed four different components of what we associated as love. Individuals care for one another, therefore "wanting the best for those we love," (Harsfall 1). Secondly, love carries aspects of responsibility in that all individuals must acknowledge the needs of others and therefore responding appropriately. Respect revolves around accepting one's loved ones for who they are, despite various idiosyncrasies or faults those individuals may have. Lastly, one must carry knowledge of others needs and feelings in order to truly be successful in love. Another aspect of Fromm's theory is the various stages of development of love within any particular individual. First comes infantile love, where one loves another because that person is loved, "I love you because I am loved," (Harsfall 1). This is the first developmental stage of love, and is the most superficial out of the other stages. The next stage represents immature love, that was love exists because one or more individuals need the other, almost like that of an addiction, "I love you because I need you," (Harsfall 1). Although this is a step up from infantile love, it still is a lower form. Erotic love represents a deceptive form of love based on the desire to fulfill pleasure through sexual encounters and gratification. This resembles Freud's earlier image of the concept of love within modern society. Yet, it is mature love which represents the most profound level of love between two individuals. It is the love for another based on the love itself, without superficial complications, "I need you because I love you," (Harsfall 1). Fromm presented these levels and elements in order to help individuals understand how to improve their relationships and quests for love.
Later in the twentieth century came from the theories of Abraham Maslow. Maslow categorized love as part of our innate needs focalized on the hierarchy of needs, (Harsfall 1). According to Maslow, love coincides with the need to feel like one belongs. Together, these represent a middle ground need in between the more primitive needs of safety and general survival needs and the more cognitive needs regarding self-actualization. Therefore, one cannot feel the need for love without being in a safe position, where all biological...
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Marriage and Divorce Interview One: Olivia/College Student When Olivia speaks of her own relationship, she does exhibit some of the traits common to young people when selecting a mate, meaning that she admitted to being attracted to her boyfriend initially based on his smile, and height, also citing his sense of humor as something which drew her towards him. Olivia demonstrates some practical notions of marriage, along with some that are still incredibly
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