How is consensual non-monogamy different from polygamy?

Monogamy, polygamy, open relationships.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
31 July 2023 Monday 11:14
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How is consensual non-monogamy different from polygamy?

Monogamy, polygamy, open relationships. There are different types of love relationships, although it should be noted that not all of them are advisable for everyone, especially for those who tend to feel insecure in their relationship. However, communication and honesty between all the people involved will always be a key element for everything to run smoothly. After all, every couple relationship is based on a series of agreements, in which both parties must be in favor.

For general simplification, the various types of couples could be grouped into monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Each of them has a series of particular characteristics, although there is no doubt that the best known and accepted in the Western world is monogamous. Since it is the most traditionally it has been defended by the conservative sectors. However, little by little this is changing and there is an increasing variety of non-monogamous relationships.

Consensual non-monogamy refers to romantic or sexual relationships in which the concept of exclusivity does not apply. This is necessarily based on an agreement and its acceptance by all the people involved in this relationship. This is how the psychologist Alejandro Vera defines it, who insists on the importance of "honesty, open communication and mutual respect" within these relationships. In essence, people who participate in non-monogamous relationships are not limited to having relationships, whether affective or sexual, with each other.

These relationships, like monogamous ones, work based on a series of established rules and limits and with which all parties agree. The specialist affirms that it is an opportunity to be able to explore sexuality and affectivity, while maintaining respectful relationships with the couple.

The first thing to keep in mind is that polyamory is a type of consensual non-monogamous relationship, and it is the term that is often confused with polygamy. Polyamory is a type of relationship in which you can have loving and sexual relationships with more than one partner at the same time, all of them being equally important and based on respect and consensus.

Instead, polygamy is a social construction that is part of certain cultures and religions, while it is considered illegal in many other countries. Its majority manifestation translates into a man's desire to keep several wives at the same time.