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Alone together? Shared space, time, and solidarity in commuter relationships
72-87Views:33Long-distance relationships have always existed, however, as a result of globalization, modern
communication technology, as well as widespread travel opportunities, their number has
increased. This study focuses on commuter relationships, that is, those couples that only see
each other during the weekend or in every few weeks due to working far from their home. 24
interviews were conducted with commuter couples in small towns and villages. A key research
question involved satisfaction levels among interviewees. Dissatisfaction with their relationship
was relatively rare, except some women complained about increased household tasks. Daily
communication and modern communication technology had an immense role in boosting
satisfaction levels. Technology has also contributed to the creation of shared space and time
among commuter couples. Regular communication, special dates, and shared plans for the
future also raised relationship solidarity. To survive time apart and make time spent together
more special timework was used, which was done together for the purpose of influencing the
subconscious and subjective sense of time. -
Two sides of one coin: Social network of commuter and their families
54-71Views:37People around a person have important roles of the social integration and form of quality of life.
Changes in the life circumstances like getting a job or changes of the workplaces have significant
effect to egocentric social network. In a new workplace usually shape new relationships. Then
again, it is also possible that besides increasing of number of new contacts, there will be those,
which are drop out from the personal network. Paper shows the rearrange of the personal
social network of people who works as a commuter and theirs partnerships. Commuter is a
person who works far from his/her home and he/she goes home weekly or rarely. This topic was
examined making interviews in 2019 (N=24). On the one hand, these interviews revealed a wide
and confidant family and kin networks. On the other hand, it seems that, due to the workplaces
and the common activities at the workplaces and other places (accommodation, shopping etc.), commuter can make new, long-term and confidant friendships which complete his/her family
relationships and make their social capital stronger.