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Social Theory or Attitudinal Types: A Case Study of Attitudes towards Relationships

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  • Laura Watt
  • Mark Elliot

Abstract

Sociological theories can be viewed as models of (sub)-populations. In this paper we explore the possibility of representing social theories as attitudinal types rather than as descriptions of society at large. To test this idea we investigate the relevance of four different theories of couple relationships to the attitudes of 18 to 30 year olds. Rather than testing these theories via aggregate social trends, we investigate the plausibility of treating the four social theories as attitudinal types that can be used to distinguish between the thoughts and feelings of different young adults. A self-completion attitude measure is created and used to gather data from a sample of 18 to 30 year olds living in Preston, UK (n=306). Cluster analysis is then used to identify potential attitude types from among the respondents which are discussed in relation to the four theories.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Watt & Mark Elliot, 2014. "Social Theory or Attitudinal Types: A Case Study of Attitudes towards Relationships," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 19(1), pages 214-223, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:19:y:2014:i:1:p:214-223
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.3314
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