Friendship and Formations of Sociality in Late Modernity: The Challenge of ‘Post Traditional Intimacy’

Starting from the vantage point of a ‘relational ontology’ this paper exploresthe complex relationship networks of people who are single or are not livingwith a sexual partner. The ways in which people make sense of the boundaries oftheir connections is analysed. It is argued that the meaning of individualsocial bonds emerge relationally and that by asking why and how friendshipmatters to people, we begin to see what other kinds of interpersonalrelationships also mean and why they matter. This lends insights into the waysrelational networks operate within conditions of detraditionalisation and theemergence of non-linear life courses. In particular consideration is given toboth the epistemic and ethical dimension through which friendship operate indaily life.