Love is a dominant theme in Western popular culture. It has become central to the meaning of everyday life, propagated through the media and the market. Being in love is idealized. In this highly accessible introduction to love of all kinds, Tom Inglis gives a clear, concise picture of how love shapes, and is shaped by, society. How is romantic love linked to capitalism? What is the difference between loving and liking? How does love link to hate, shame and pride? Inglis addresses all these questions, and looks at how today¿s changing circumstances ¿ globalization and increased mobility ¿ have changed our perceptions of love and relationships.