Fiduciary Relationship—that is, a relationship based on an inherent trust or trustworthiness. I first came across that term while doing research for GIRL RUNNING and PORTRAIT OF A PROTEGE. I found it in the article Sexualization* of the doctor–patient relationship: is it ever ethically permissible? by Katherine H Hall. While these two stories do touch briefly on Doctor-Patient ethics, I was more interested in Teacher-Student relationships, and I believe many of the principles cited in Hall’s article apply.
The fiduciary relationship is based on trust, wherein one party has greater power and thus control. Granted, many relationships incorporate a fiduciary element. I maintain that a healthy relationship distributes such power, contingent upon the assets each party brings to the table; that power is ever shifting. Oftentimes, principles of the fiduciary relationship are manifest when one party is significantly older than the other, though it surely holds true in other ways—such as when it comes to the intellectual, financial and social status of each party.
In my novel, GIRL RUNNING, I’ve chosen to explore the Teacher-Student relationship, particularly wherein pre-existing contact—outside of school—levels the playing field (a bit).
GIRL RUNNING explores the emotionally intense relationship between 17 year-old, orphaned and unsupervised Leila and her math teacher from hell, alongside, and often at conflict with, a blossoming romantic relationship with the track coach.
The author of the above-mentioned article concludes: “…[sexualized] relationships with former patients should not be regarded as ethically permissible except under such rare circumstances.” I believe the same holds true for Teacher-Student relationships. And so, I have attempted to explore that “rare circumstance.”
What do you think? Can such ‘unequal’ relationships succeed, long-term?
* just to clarity, neither of my stories contain sex between a student and teacher.
To answer your question I'm going to say, it depends.
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
...and I would have to say, I concur!
ReplyDelete...of course, the question remains--Upon what does it depend?
I'll tell you in a secret message : )
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school, there was a senior who had a relationship with a teacher. Lots of gossip about that I can tell you. They later got married and last I knew they were still together. So, I guess the answer to your question is yes. Though I would venture to say the relationship didn't remain "unequal" or it would not have succeeded. Your story sounds interesting. But I have to wonder, if a romantic relationship is not sexual, what is it?
ReplyDeleteHey, now that's a challenge to write. I like it when writers try something courageous.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, I think there are probably far more ‘romantic’ relationships between teachers and students that never culminate in actual sex. In my story, I focus on the tension and conflict created by the relationship, between not only the two parties, but also those around them. I won’t say how the story ends, but I didn’t want to give the impression that it contained any tawdry sex-scenes—it’s not about the sex, but grappling with desire, amongst many other things.
ReplyDeleteBryan, It’s such a common and controversial trope. The challenge has been, trying to make the characters sympathetic and the situation unique and fresh. It was such fun to write!
Well, a friend of mine dated one of our student teachers when I was a senior. Granted, he was only 4 years older than her. They kept it a secret except for a handful of people. Guess what? They are married now. If fact very hapily married. So to answer your question, yes, but as has already been said above, it depends. (And don't ask me on what, because that I can not answer.)
ReplyDeleteSusan, I think a combination of factors come into play. Perhaps the more divergent the age, the more compensation is needed in other aspects of the relationship. For sure, it has to be way more than mere lust--but that's true in all long-term relationships.
ReplyDeleteTo some degree I guess it depends on whether the person of power is exploiting the "lesser" person, or whether it's truly a matter of love. I admire your idea of writing about the tension inherent in the relationship.
ReplyDeleteLiza, I think you've hit on a very important component--if there's an exploitation of power, it won't work. Ah--but how to sort out one's motives...Is anyone entirely altruistic? Big question.
ReplyDeleteActually, exploitation of power can work, if the exploited party seeks (consciously or unconsciously) that exploitation. Unbalanced relationships happen all of the time, some quite perverse in nature and degree. Some of those last a surprisingly long time. The needs of individuals can deviate widely from the norm, assuming you have some viable mode of determining what 'normal' might be.
ReplyDeleteYour explorations seem to be minor deviations from what appears a commonly accepted norm. Even the Cleavers had their secrets, I am sure.
Now that might be an interesting story...
Michael, Thanks for sharing your insights—I appreciate your pointing that out! There are indeed all sorts of relationships— across a spectrum that might be considered ‘normal’ these days—which function on the basis of exploitation. And I suppose if some ‘need’ is being met, they do last surprisingly long—some, alarmingly long. In the realm of fiction, perhaps those relationships would veer more into the murky and dark. You are correct in perceiving that my story explores a relatively minor deviation from the ‘norm.’ In fact, it was not my intent to delve into the perverse, so much as to build sympathy for my characters and their situation, to hope that in spite of the norm, it might work out for them. Ultimately, I want to leave my reader uplifted, not creeped out. Yes, I’ll admit that exploitive relationships—even ones considered ‘normal’ in society today—creep me out.
ReplyDeletepopping over from karen's bbq... hope im not too late! brought some JD and steak! great blog--following!
ReplyDeleteHey Jeremy! JD is fine, and so is steak as long as you're willing to cook it! Thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDelete