- Question
- What is love?
This position holds that love is a societal tool rather than a natural feeling — an artificial construct that, in one reading, oppresses women and reinforces patriarchy. It frames love variously as a commercial device, a coping mechanism, and an appraisal of another person's value.
Supporting arguments · 5
- Love is oppressiveLove, as it exists under current social constructs, is an oppressive tool of the patriarchy.
- Falling in love is an appraisal of the other person's valueWhen we decide who is worthy of our love, we carry out an appraisal.
- Love is a commercial toolLove is a concept that has been co-opted by capitalist industries to sell us things.
- Love is a coping mechanismLove has become a societal reaction to industrialization. As more people move into cities and experience its isolating effect, the more they seek out love for companionship against loneliness.
- Society needs free loveFree love is a political movement advocating the societal acceptance of all kinds of love.