Abstract
M.A. (Sociology)
The research explored the perceptions and experiences of Coloured middle-class
women and men in heterosexual cohabiting relationships. The study aim was to gain
an understanding of the ideologies that these women and men had about intimacy
and about gender roles in cohabiting settings. It reflected on the intersections of
class, race, gender, and intimacy. While most research on Black middle class in the
South African context place great emphasis on understanding current manifestations
and experiences of this group, it does not look at Black middle-classness and
intimacy. This study espouses the idea that appreciating intimate experiences within
Black middle-class spaces is equally important.
In order to achieve the study aims, a qualitative methodology was used. A total of 20
semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 women and 10 men
living with their intimate partners. The data collected from these interviews were then...