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The Sociological View Of Friendship

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Throughout history friendship is revered, often being romanticised and is a relatively new area of sociological study. Research has transferred the focus from personal interactions and the psychology of friendships to the social structures that influence and underpin them. This shift in sociological view of friendship is a reflection of the growing interest of mixed methodologies in research. What the social structures are that bind friendship in terms of manners agreed between the perpetrators of the friendship, so the rituals and routines become particular to those people in their understanding of the relationship. The understanding of the influence of class and gender on friendships is in the influence on the opportunities for meeting people and making friends. Everyday micro-level interactions are contained by structural parameters. Although the friendship exists within social structures, the friendship itself has to defy social hierarchy in order to maintain itself, as sustenance requires an element of equality between bearers. …show more content…
Friendships are regarded as positive social relationships extending beyond kin, but often fulfilling similar needs to the family, “a number of sociological studies consistently emphasized the importance of friends as sources of emotional support and advice” (Pahl 2000: 87). These kinds of close friendships can be personally rewarding but need to operate on equal terms or negativity can be the result of vulnerability, “Kant remarked if one person reveals his failings while the other person concealed his own he would lose something” (Pahl 2000: 63). Arguably a 'true friendship' is strengthened by compromise and the resolution of conflicts, which seem to test the true nature of the bond. Overall the concept friendship is noted for positive aspects, in 1997 the journal of medical association reported that the support network of friends had a positive effect on a person's health and

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