{"id":63212,"date":"2022-06-04T00:38:49","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T04:38:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=63212"},"modified":"2022-06-08T22:40:12","modified_gmt":"2022-06-09T02:40:12","slug":"from-superficial-to-intimate-relationships-these-are-the-ties-that-define-our-social-fabric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/from-superficial-to-intimate-relationships-these-are-the-ties-that-define-our-social-fabric\/","title":{"rendered":"From superficial to intimate relationships: these are the ties that define our social fabric"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Throughout our lives and, as social beings that we are, we form different ties with our equals.\u00a0From the superficial and instrumental, of courtesy, to the most intimate of communication, trust and deep affection.\u00a0In this way we are building a network of relationships that constitute our\u00a0social fabric<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

Four levels of approach<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Depending on the degree of intimacy and affection, four progressive categories are contemplated:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Superficial\u00a0relationships<\/em>\u00a0are instrumental and impersonal.\u00a0For example, commercial relations or between user and provider of a service.<\/li>\n
  2. The\u00a0social or civic ones<\/em>\u00a0suppose a further step in the interaction, but generally continue to be governed by social rules.\u00a0It occurs in interactions with neighbors, acquaintances or in the non-close work environment.<\/li>\n
  3. The\u00a0personal<\/em>\u00a0entail greater closeness.\u00a0They stay with colleagues, relatives and relatives, people with whom we get along and communicate personal things.<\/li>\n
  4. Intimate relationships<\/em>\u00a0are\u00a0established on the deepest affective plane,\u00a0both physical and emotional<\/a>\u00a0, with people we trust the most, such as family, friends or a partner, with whom we share the most private aspects.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The quality of a relationship<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Depending on the predominant affect,\u00a0positive and pleasant relationships<\/em>\u00a0are found , which are based on\u00a0pleasant emotions of joy<\/a>\u00a0, love, security, pleasure…<\/p>\n

    Negative\u00a0and unpleasant relationships<\/em>\u00a0are based on negative emotions of sadness, fear, hopelessness or violence.<\/p>\n

    Reciprocity or dominance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Considering the degree of symmetry and equity, on the one hand\u00a0, egalitarian, equitable and symmetrical relationships<\/em>\u00a0appear in which people are in a balanced situation of equality, with the same capacity for power and decision.\u00a0They are reciprocal, because there is a two-way exchange that ensures fairness and balance for the participants.\u00a0Brotherly bonds, companionship bonds, friendship bonds, or partner bonds may be examples.<\/p>\n

    At the other pole are\u00a0unequal, authoritarian, power relations<\/em>\u00a0, in which one person has control over another, who has to submit and abide by.\u00a0Even reaching an asymmetric relationship of dominance-submission, of superiority versus inferiority, of subordination or dependency.\u00a0This is what happens in cases of abusive and toxic relationships, mistreatment and interpersonal violence.<\/p>\n

    Solid versus liquid relationships<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    According to the Polish philosopher and sociologist\u00a0Zygmunt Bauman<\/a>\u00a0, today’s interpersonal relationships are\u00a0liquid, fragile, and ethereal<\/em>\u00a0.\u00a0They are characterized by a lack of consistency and warmth and by a tendency to be increasingly superficial, fleeting and with fewer obligations and responsibilities.<\/p>\n

    And they are opposed to what we understand as\u00a0solid, stable and firm relationships<\/em>\u00a0, which require commitment, dedication, fairness and reciprocity.\u00a0It happens that this lack of depth and authenticity produces important psychological and emotional effects, such as emotional uprooting,\u00a0loneliness<\/a>\u00a0, dissatisfaction, uncertainty, vulnerability and personal fragility.<\/p>\n

    The speed of virtual relationships<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Cyberspace is today an important and essential context for interaction.\u00a0It introduces novelties and not only affects the quantity but also the quality and the way in which we initiate, form, maintain and end relationships.<\/p>\n

    In cyberspace, bonds of friendship, erotic and love are built more quickly, because it becomes intimate sooner.\u00a0There is a greater frequency of interaction, with more availability, at any time of the day and night.\u00a0And one is perceived in company with less cost and effort than in face-to-face treatment.<\/p>\n

    \"\"

    Relationships<\/p><\/div>\n

    Our networks of relationships<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    In everyday life we \u200b\u200bhave a\u00a0complex network of social ties<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0The concept\u00a0network of relationships<\/em>\u00a0refers to the set of interactions and links of a person.\u00a0It can be understood as a network of networks such as family, neighborhood, friendship, work, love, spiritual, leisure, educational, supportive and virtual, among others.<\/p>\n

    If we think about the interactions that have taken place in the last week, we can see the multiplicity and diversity of connections that we have.\u00a0We relate to many people, at various times, in different contexts and situations, we have various types of relationships and we play different roles.<\/p>\n

    Reflecting on our relational worlds, paying attention to what relationships we have, the characteristics of each one, the predominant affect, etc., is a necessary exercise that allows us to find out:<\/p>\n