A phenomenological study of couple’s partnership experiences

Abstract

Despite the growing popularity of gender focused social studies in post soviet area, there is very little literature exploring what are the subjective, daily experiences of partnership in couples. The present study examined experiences of partnership among heterosexual couples which emerge through daily interactions. Phenomenological procedures were used to analyze the data. Themes were generated to delineate the descriptions of their experiences of partnership and understandings of how it affects their lives. The analysis of semi-structured interviews with both partners has shown that the questions that ask partners how they negotiate their financial and leisure time decisions, child care responsibilities and household raise issues of equal engagement and negotiation. The experiences of mutual emotional support uncover themes of closeness and autonomy. The consequences of their current arrangements disclosed feelings that are not always revealed and shared between partners. The study provides openings to consider the impact of multi-generational patterns, roles, and norms regarding gender. Study findings also suggest new research questions about how concept of partnership may serve as a discursive theme that emphasizes individual responsibility and may empower partners to amplify their ongoing changes from traditionally based patriarchal to open, diversity based way of relationship.