Agreements, rules and agentic fidelity in polyamorous relationshipsстатья из журнала
Аннотация: Abstract Drawing on data from 343 surveys and 12 interviews gathered as part of a large-scale research project on intimate relationships in the United States, this study examines agreements and rules within self-identified polyamorous relationships. Findings illustrate that polyamorists explicitly resist the master monogamous template through multiple sexual and emotional partners although commitment remains salient within such relationships. Results indicate that polyamorists do violate the rules of their relationships although 'cheating' is not a relevant construct for such behaviour. Although polyamory affords explicit rejection of sexual and emotional exclusivity, survey and interview data suggest that by underscoring their ability for multiple loves, there remains a continued emphasis on emotional rather than sexual intimacy. The article introduces 'agentic fidelity', which is a certain form of commitment among polyamorists that relies upon acute self-knowledge and choice exercised through the ability to express needs and boundaries. Keywords: polyamoryfidelitynonmonogamysexuality Acknowledgements I thank David John Frank, Francesca Cancian, Belinda Robnett, and the anonymous reviewers at Psychology & Sexuality for their insights and helpful comments. Notes 1. Polyamory entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2006 as a noun defined as, 'The fact of having simultaneous close emotional relationships with two or more other individuals, viewed as an alternative to monogamy, esp. in regard to matters of sexual fidelity; the custom or practice of engaging in multiple sexual relationships with the knowledge and consent of all partners concerned (OED Online, 2006)'. 2. Seventy-nine percent of bisexual respondents were women, which is a limitation of the sample and may impact the results in terms of the establishment, negotiation and content of the rules. However, research indicates few men actively self-identify as bisexual, whereas bisexuality is a more acceptable orientation among women (Weinberg et al., Citation1994). 3. Some relationships utilise a primary/secondary structure, wherein primary partners are dyadic and secondary partners operate more in terms of satellite relations. For others, the mere use of the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' conflict with polyamory in that multiple primaries are common or such a structure reinforces hierarchical valuation or prioritisation of partners. 4. Several researchers have explored the connection between BDSM/Kink subcultures and polyamory, suggesting both share similar values (honesty, communication, safety) (see Sheff, Citation2005, 2006). Both BDSM and polyamorists also play with breaking a number of standard forms of relating and social interaction.
Год издания: 2010
Авторы: Kassia R. Wosick-Correa
Издательство: Taylor & Francis
Источник: Psychology and Sexuality
Ключевые слова: Marriage and Sexual Relationships, LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy, Islamic Finance and Banking Studies
Открытый доступ: closed
Том: 1
Выпуск: 1
Страницы: 44–61