“Together although separated”. Lat couples in the city of Medellín

Abstract

This article seeks to understand better the characteristics and dynamics of the couples structured under the pendulum or LAT mode, in the city of Medellin, which is Understood as an alternative to the conjugal union, more or less permanent partner arrangements consisting of individuals who do not wish to or are not available for different reasons to share a home, therefore it is an intimate relationship of intermittent character where each Member of the couple has his or her own home.

Their characteristics, motivations, and established agreements to settle and remain as such are described; the performance, the scope and limitations of  his type of couples are explored. Qualitative research mode as a symbolic interactionism strategy was used: the method was the interview in depth, and the snow ball technique, and the approach and analysis path was the systemic approach.