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Living Apart Together Relationships (LAT): Severing Intimacy from Obligation

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Abstract

Living apart together (LAT) relationships have the potential to protect against both the erosion of autonomy whilst in the relationship, and the erosion of resources following relationship dissolution. Because of the freedom that results, for those individuals who are concerned with these matters, LAT relationships offer more scope for intimacy and emotional connectedness than either marriage or cohabitation does. This paper explores the motivations behind the choice to LAT, particularly in the over 45 years old age group, and questions whether LAT can be used as a form of political resistance against oppressive patriarchal structures. The author signals future social policy implications associated with this bourgeoning relationship form.

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  1. Discipline of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

    Karen Upton-Davis

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  1. Karen Upton-Davis
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Correspondence to Karen Upton-Davis.

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Upton-Davis, K. Living Apart Together Relationships (LAT): Severing Intimacy from Obligation. Gend. Issues 29, 25–38 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-012-9110-2

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