Polyamory: definition, forms, motives for engaging
Abstract
The article examines the issue of polyamory in sociological and psychological discourse. It is emphasized that the phenomenon of polyamory is one of the consequences of the transformation of marital and family relations in the 20th century. It is noted that the relevance of the article is related to the revitalization of the discussion of polyamory both at the level of everyday discourse and among foreign scientists; discussions around polyamory as an alternative to monogamy in translated publications on sexological education for teenagers. Polyamory is considered by the author as one of the forms of consensual non-monogamy, that is, such relationships and sexual practices when people have more than one sexual/romantic partner with the mutual informed consent of all participants. The differences of such forms of consensual non-monogamy as polyamory and open relationships, "swing", "relationship anarchy" are discussed. It is noted that, in addition to the informed consent of all participants, polyamory is characterized by a characteristic focus on building long-term romantic relationships. The author considers the forms of polyamory according to K. Labriola: the primary/secondary model and multiple primary partners model. The study of the motives for engaging in polyamory by Slovak authors Hnatkovičová D., Bianchi G. is analyzed in detail. Motives for engaging in polyamory are discussed, such as meeting needs that were not met in monogamous relationships, personal growth and maintaining autonomy, identity development, expression of political values, exploration of LGBTIQ+ identities, desire for sexual diversity, need to belong to a community, and psychodynamic reasons. A conclusion is made about the need for further research on this issue, taking into account the liberalization of sexual morality and the further probable spread of polyamory practices in Western Europe and the USA.
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Mitchell, Melissa E., Bartholomew, Kim & Cobb, Rebecca J. (2014) ‘Need Fulfillment in Polyamorous Relationships’ The Journal of Sex Research. 51:3. Pp. 329-339 https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2012.742998
Ritchie, A., Barker, M. (2006) ‘There aren’t words for what we do or how we feel so we have to make them up: Constructing polyamorous languages in a culture of compulsory monogamy’. Sexualities. 9(5). pp. 584-601 https://doi.org/10.1177/1363460706069987
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Scoats, R., Campbell, C. (2022) ‘What do we know about consensual non-monogamy?’ Current Opinion in Psychology. 48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101468
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Maslow, A. H. (1943) ‘A theory of human motivation’ Psychological review. 50. Pp. 370-396.
Griffin, G. (2017) ‘Political lesbianism’ A Dictionary of Gender Studies. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://www-oxfordreference-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/view/10.1093/acref/9780191834837.001.0001/acref-9780191834837-e-299 (Last accessed: 01.26.2022)
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Chernus, L.A. (1980) ‘Sexual mate-swapping: A comparison of “normal” and “clinical” populations’ Clinical Social Work Journal. 8 (2). Pp. 120-130.
O’Connor, M. (2019) ‘Polyamory – a romantic solution to wanderlust?’ European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling. 21:3-4. Pp. 217-230 https://doi.org/10.1080/13642537.2019.1652200
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