Intimacy

Abstract

This chapter makes an original contribution to the study of intimacy by showing how third elements unavoidably impact spousal relations. Intimacy between Chinese spouses occurs in the context of an active involvement by third parties in terms of both the permissibility or possibility of intimacy and its complexion. The third element that influences spousal intimacy may take different forms. Three are considered. First, intimacy between a couple is necessarily impacted by family members, through cohabitation or expressive intervention. Second, an extramarital factor impacts the intimacy of spouses differently. Third, an ideological element, typically but not necessarily in the form of religion, may change the dynamics of relations between a couple and the intimacy they share. These third elements may play an ambivalent role, a transformative role, or a supportive role in spousal intimacy.