Love, from a sociological point of view

Abstract

What does it mean to examine erotic love and intimacy from a sociological point of view? Does this endeavour entail a
definition of love, and, if so, is such a definition possible from a sociological perspective? This paper discusses the epistemological
challenges implied by the task of constructing love as the object of sociological inquiry. We will start by giving
a definition of the task itself and by detailing the peculiarities of a sociological inquiry on love. We will point out why
it is imperative for such an inquiry to remain open to the historicity of love as an emotion and as a form of interaction.
Finally we will explore love as the object of a sociological investigation in order to spell out what becomes visible to the
sociological eye once the correct epistemological precautions are taken.