Sample Solution

Answer #1: The evolution and stages of a present relationship could look very different depending on the type of relationship being discussed. For example, if we were discussing a romantic relationship, there are five generally accepted stages that most relationships will go through: attraction, uncertainty/anxiety, exclusivity/intimacy, commitment, and dissolution (Weber & Crocker-White, 2017). During the attraction stage both partners feel an intense excitement for one another and enjoy spending time together. They may become infatuated with one another during this time and not be able to think about much else besides each other. Next is the uncertainty/anxiety stage where fear of rejection sets in along with worries about how well they fit together or what the future holds for them as a couple. After this is exclusivity/intimacy which involves establishing trust between each other by opening up emotionally to one another while also transitioning from casual dating into more serious commitments such as living together or getting married. Commitment comes when people are ready to make greater investments in terms of time energy and money within their relationship which can mean anything from having children together to growing old alongside one another. Finally dissolution occurs when either individual decides that it is best for them to end the relationship due to irreconcilable differences or lack of interest in maintaining it anymore (Weber & Crocker-White, 2017).

Question #2: How do cultural influences shape our conceptions of relationships? 250 words. In text citation

Answer #2: Cultural influences help shape how we view relationships by impacting how we perceive behaviors within these relationships as well as what kinds of expectations exist around them (Ogden et al., 2018). Different cultures might place varying degrees of emphasis on monogamy versus polygamy or prioritize marriage over cohabitation based on beliefs related to religious morals and values within their communities (Hazan & Shaver 1987; Ogden et al., 2018). Aspects like gender roles are heavily shaped by culture’s attitudes towards women’s rights which have been known to impact decision making processes regarding career paths chosen by men versus women (Bourdieu & Wacquant 1992; Ogden et al., 2018). Additionally cultural norms surrounding topics like dating etiquette may differ drastically based on whether someone was raised in an urban area compared with a rural one since many city-dwellers may expect individuals they date to be more independent than those who live outside metropolitan areas (Vissing 2011; Ogden et al., 2018). All these things demonstrate that our conception of relationships stem partially from learned behavior patterns acquired through exposure early in life which ultimately influence how successful those same individuals will be at navigating longterm partnerships later down the road (Bourdieu & Wacquant 1992; Vissing 2011; Ogden et al., 2018)