Polyamory Is Deviant – But Not for the Reasons You May Think

“There’s no reason to do monogamy”: Evidence for and Characteristics Associated with a Strong Desire for Consensual Nonmonogamy

“…Such individuals might benefit greatly from stigmareduction efforts. Our results also suggest that some individuals can be comfortable with both CNM and monogamy, and such individuals would likely also benefit from reduction of stigma against CNM, along with increasing visibility of the "polyamorous possibility" (Sheff, 2013(Sheff, , 2020, because this might provide them with more accessible avenues toward exploration of various relationship options. Finally, the overlap between LGBTQ2S + identification and desire for CNM is particularly noteworthy, because it suggests that stigma against CNM may be resulting in compounded marginalization of many already-marginalized LGBTQ2S + individuals.…”

“…Although many participants reported having "invented" CNM as young adults, others did not actually engage in it until they became aware of others doing it. Such exposure has also been highlighted as important by Aviram (2010) and indeed has been explicitly labeled the "polyamorous possibility" by Sheff (2013Sheff ( , 2020. This exposure might be particularly important for individuals who have some level of comfort with monogamy.…”

The End of Monogamy? An Exploration of Non-monogamous Relationship Dynamics

“…There has been plenty of research done exploring monogamy, the benefits of monogamy (York, 2020), how it can become an oppressive experience (Rothschild, 2018& Sheff, 2020, as well as exploring different alternatives to monogamy and their possible benefits (Moors, Matsick, and Schechinger, 2017). Stigma surrounding non-monogamy and the effects of this stigma were studied extensively in works done by Mogilski, et.…”

“…It is worth noting that other relationship structures and dynamics are legitimate and can be just as healthy, even though they are highly stigmatized in Western society. Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is an umbrella term for many types of relationships that do not limit themselves to only having one partner, with variation surrounding agreed upon limits when it comes to sexual and/or emotional relationships with other people (Sheff, 2020). One branch of CNM that this paper will focus on exploring is polyamory, "in which people are allowed to engage in more than one sexual and/or romantic and or/intimate relationship at the same time, with the informed consent of all parties" (Rothschild, 2018, p. 42).…”

“…One branch of CNM that this paper will focus on exploring is polyamory, "in which people are allowed to engage in more than one sexual and/or romantic and or/intimate relationship at the same time, with the informed consent of all parties" (Rothschild, 2018, p. 42). The inclusion of informed consent from all parties is an important distinction between polyamory and infidelity and cheating in a monogamous relationship; which Sheff (2020) notes is inherently nonconsensual and doesn't involve discussion or negotiation from all people involved.…”