In American culture, monogamy or the lifelong sexual and emotional commitment of two individuals to each other is the norm. Unspoken and less frequently practiced is polyamory. Polyamory, from the Greek and Latin roots meaning “many loves,” describes a diverse range of nonmonogamous relationship styles that heterosexuals, lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals practice. To be successful, individuals in polyamorous relationships typically negotiate a set of rules or agreements around issues such as safer sexual practices, social proximity to other lovers, frequency of contact between lovers, and level of emotional and sexual involvement between partners. These agreements make polyamory distinctly different than infidelity or promiscuity, as all partners are fully aware of the arrangements. Although infidelity and cheating can occur within the context of polyamory, polyamorous individuals strive to be upfront and open about their desires and practices, which is why polyamory is sometimes...
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Suggested Readings
Anapol DM (1997) Polyamory: The new love without limits. IntiNet Resource Center, San Rafael, CA
Easton D, Catherine L (1997) The ethical slut. Greenery Press, San Francisco
Matik W‐O (2002) Redefining our relationships: Guidelines for responsible open relationships. Defiant Times Press, Oakland, CA
West C (1996) Lesbian polyfidelity. Booklegger Publishing, San Francisco
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Smith, S.A., Serovich, J.M. (2008). Polyamory. In: Loue, S.J., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_356
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_356
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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