As gender, sex, and representation has gained traction and national attention, it is safe to say
this conversation is overdue. There are many ways to love and many different types of family
dynamics. While it is illegal to be married to multiple people in the United States, there are
many examples of families stepping away from traditional male female marital structures and
exploring other dynamics despite this. However, the Polyamory network is mostly underground
and informal due to the taboo nature of the subculture.
So, what does it mean to be in a Polyamorous relationship? It is an intimate relationship with
more than one person with the expressed permission of the parties that are participating.
Consent is paramount and allows this lifestyle to work. These relationships can include same or
different gender participants.
My study of this topic led me to meet some amazing people and provided insight into why this
dynamic works for some families. Many of the people I spoke with stated that their
Polyamorous relationships allowed them to truly be themselves, they reported being more
happy, open, and honest compared to their experiences in monogamous relationship. They
claimed to have less stress because they were able to openly discuss what they called “natural
human urges”. “Researchers estimate that as many as 5 percent of Americans are currently in
relationships involving consensual non monogamy — that is, permission to go outside the
couple looking for love or sex. (Pappas, 2013)” While American society claims to value
monogamy, many people participate in either cheating and/or serial monogamy. This point of
view begs to question…. Could these factors suggest that humans do not naturally gravitate to
monogamy?
Pappas, S. (2013). 5 Myth About Polyamory Debunked; A New Look at Polyamory. Retrieved
from http://www.livescience.com/27128-polyamory-myths-debunked.html