I just looked at this lengthy and detailed Times article about how marriage correlates with health. It compares the first study of its kind in the 19th century with present-day conceptions of marriage and health. A very insightful read on sciencia sexualis, physical health, psychology, and personal lifestyle choices.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18marriage-t.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me
Tags: marriage, scientia sexualis
April 18th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I found this most interesting:
“The women in his study who were at highest risk for signs of heart disease were those whose marital battles lacked any signs of warmth, not even a stray term of endearment during a hostile discussion (“Honey, you’re driving me crazy!”) or a minor pat on the back or squeeze of the hand, all of which can signal affection in the midst of anger . . .
For men, on the other hand, hostile and negative marital battles seemed to have no effect on heart risk. Men were at risk for a higher coronary calcium score, however, when their marital spats turned into battles for control.”
I’m not sure what Foucault’s take on the gender divide is, but I would at least say that relationships are all about a transferring of power.