We're Just Good Friends: Women and Men in Nonromantic Relationships - Hardcover

by Kathy Werking (Author)

This book provides a long-overdue look at the challenges and rewards of nonromantic friendships between women and men. Drawing from a range of literature and her own extensive research, the author presents her examination of these relationships in a clear organizational framework. Topics covered include the everyday dynamics of cross-sex friendships and their societal effects and influences. The author also explores ways that these relationships are developed and maintained, and ways they may come to an end. Illustrated with numerous interviews and segments of conversations between male and female friends, the book offers important insight into such issues as gender-role expectancies, relationship norms and goals, and cultural assumptions about friendship and sexuality.

Back Jacket

Building on studies in sociology, psychology, and communication as well as her own extensive research, author Kathy Werking presents an organizational framework for studying friendships between the sexes and offers a thorough examination of the character and dynamics of these relationships. She looks at both societal effects and influences as well as the interpersonal dynamics between the participants to explore the development, maintenance, and decline of these friendships; the differences in gender behaviors and roles; topics typically brought up in day-to-day conversations; as well as the challenges and rewards of these relationships. Bringing the research to life, each chapter opens with segments of conversations between cross-sex friends. Chapters delineate the issues involved in cross-sex friendships, covering such topics as what happens when sexual and romantic feelings arise, handling jealous romantic partners, other people's scrutiny of the friendship, and societal barriers to such relationships. Concluding with a critical look at the literature and proposing new directions for future study, this interdisciplinary work provides both a solid reference and a springboard for future research. It serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in gender studies, communications, relationships, social networks, social psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, as well as for family and couple therapists.

Author Biography

Kathy Werking, Ph.D., teaches adult learners in New Hampshire and Maine and is continuing her research into the dynamics of friendship and marriage. She received her doctorate in communication from Purdue University in 1992.