Space of intimacy and the plural reflexivity of couples

The de-institutionalization of couple’s models, the re-composition of gender relations and the change in the balance of power between the partners require motivating the relationship constraint on emotional-affective dimensions (Di Nicola, 2008). The present study compares three theories to analyse the couple’s relationship: the pure relationship (Giddens, 2008), the double compromise model (De Singly, 2006), the relational theory (Donati, 2007), it highlights their difference in the description of the reflexivity dimension. By the results of a research conducted collecting interviews key informant, directed to young couples partners. It proves on the one hand as reflexivity is a feature common to respondents and individuals in ‘intimate space’ – a kind of place of internal conversation (Archer, 2003), in which it verifies-justifies designs living together, on the other hand it observes its realization in the modus vivendi of couples to place them inside one of the three theories.