Dating as we know it — where one person is expected to take another person somewhere and pay for something — is a relatively newfangled idea. Moira Weigel set out to explore the concept in her new book Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $26), and she will be at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue to talk about it on Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m.

Labor of Love takes a broad look at how dating has shaped society’s perspectives on relationships and identity. The book operates under two main theses: Dating has been scrutinized by older generations since its inception, and it is tied to the economy.

Dating had its rocky start around 1896, when the term “date” was introduced in a Chicago newspaper story about working class life and “women adrift.” Dating was distinct from the “calling” that took place in more upper class households, which basically involved chaperoned meetings with suitors à la 19 Kids and Counting.

Weigel writes that prior to the late 1800s, “looking for love had not involved going out in public and spending money.” But as more single women moved to cities and entered the workforce during the industrial revolution, young couples started meeting up and galavanting around town.

And why did men pay? The wage gap, of course! Weigel quotes reports from women in the early 1900s who claimed that without dates, they might not be able to eat.

From there, Weigel pulls from academic literature, media, and anecdotes to describe a dating culture that has evolved by the decade if not faster. Feminism, the sexual revolution, the emergence of STDs, online dating, and other factors have changed our views on romantic relationships.

There is also the portrayal of relationships in popular media, Weigel shows. Jerry Seinfeld’s character dated 66 women on his show, most with a dealbreaking flaw. American Psycho Patrick Bateman turned dating into a literal bloodsport. Marriage looks like a glamorous finish line on “Say Yes To The Dress”.

Labor of Love captures the tumultuous journey, and eerie patterns in human nature, of dating. After all that, has courtship just reverted back to being inexpensive (Netflix) and in private (on the couch)?

Moira Weigel is currently completing a PhD at Yale University. She has written for The Guardian, The New Republic, the The New Inquiry, and other publications. Labor of Love is her first book.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here and are $12 each, or two come free with a book purchase for $26. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a book signing will follow the talk.