Violence, control, romance and gender equality: Young women and heterosexual relationships

Feminist theories remain influential in explaining intimate violence between adults, however there has been limited feminist focus on intimate violence in young people's relationships, or 'dating violence' as it is commonly termed. Psychological explanations, particularly social learning and attachment theories, have predominated in dating violence research, which has not taken account of structural factors constraining and influencing young people's actions. This study of young people draws together feminist theories in the areas of sexuality, gender relations and gendered violence. The study is a detailed analysis of the micro-practices of heterosexuality from young people's interviews which illuminates gendered power relations and practices of inequality and violence. The findings suggest that gender inequality and intimate violence are common in young people's dating relationships. The study demonstrates that the discourses of heterosexuality, in combination with discourses of individualism and equality, are influential in how young people make meaning of their relationship experiences and understand intimate violence.