Understanding Non-Monogamies

Routledge research in gender and society #23

by Meg Barker (Editor), Darren Langdridge (Editor)

Most social scientific work on intimate relationships has assumed a monogamous structure, or has considered anything other than monogamy only in the context of 'infidelity'. Yet, in recent years there has been a growing interest among researchers and the public in exploring various patterns of intimacy that involve open non-monogamy. This volume gathers contributions from academics, activists, and practitioners throughout the world to explore non-monogamous relationships. Featuring both empirical and theoretical pieces, contributors examine the history and cultural basis of various forms of non-monogamy, experiences of non-monogamous living, psychological understandings of relationship patterns, language and emotion, the discursive construction of mono-normativity as well as issues of race, class, disability, sexuality and gender. This volume will be of interest to academics and practitioners working in the social sciences and anyone who is seeking greater insight into the intricacies of non-monogamous relationships.

Genres: Nonfiction, Polyamory, Psychology, Relationships, LGBT, Queer, Sociology

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

Now known as Meg John Barker.
Dr. Meg John Barker is a writer, therapist, and activist-academic specialising in sex, gender and relationships. Meg-John is a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University and a UKCP accredited psychotherapist, and has over a decade of experience researching and publishing on these topics including the popular book Rewriting the Rules.

[Bio from http://rewriting-the-rules.com/about/....]

Reviews

[Miri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting, but not as scientifically rigorous as I'd hoped. Some of the essays seemed too jargony and academic to have much relevance to people's actual poly lives.

[The Gay Optimist (Chris- He/Him) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This curation of anecdotes, research, & interviews provide some valuable insights into the range of non-monogamies. A great introduction for anyone unfamiliar with the intracisies and complexities of navigating social, legal, cultural, & personal aspects of being non-monogamous. This book really dives deep into topics such as Asexuality and Polyamory, or Disability & Non-Monogamy. Even detailing the social dynamics and unspoken rules between different non-monogamous communities. How they resist, challenge, maintain, or contribute to the larger culture and community of Non-Monogamy. Barker & Langdridge finish the book on a positively charged outlook on non-monogamies as they are not necessarily rejecting monogamy- but rather rejecting Mononormativity.

[Neighborhood Review · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trash.

[el · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was too old to find insightful

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ILL
same editors as Contemporary Perspectives Sadomasochism: Safe, Sane and Consensual


dense but worth it

[Stephen Cranney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This area sorely lacks rigorous quantitative analysis.