By: Megan Clark Campus Life Editor
Polyamory, a romantic relationship involving more than two people, gets a bad rap in most monogamous societies.
Due to a social climate that favors partnerships between only two people, individuals who want to practice polyamory are often stigmatized and shamed.
Like most things that branch away from the norm, polyamory is misunderstood and criticized.
Polyamory is not polygamy, an important distinction to make, as polygamy often conjures up images of fundamentalist compounds on the Canadian border thronging with sister-wives.
Polyamory simply means “many loves,” and involves entering into a relationship with more than one person. People remark on the morality, or lack thereof, of those involved in a polyamorous relationships, saying that it shows lack of commitment and desire for fidelity, which, of course, is untrue.
Possibly due to these misconceptions, polyamory is not overly common, though polyamorous relationships are increasing in popularity.
Some studies, like one done by Dr. Elisabeth Sheff, an educational consultant and the foremost academic expert on polyamory in the United States according to Psychology Today, have shown that polyamorous relationships have few negative impacts on children raised in polyamorous households.
The only harms possibly lie in growing too attached to a partner that might later leave, an issue present even in monogamous relationships, and having to face the societal stigma surrounding such an arrangement.
In addition to the normal issues encountered with monogamous relationships, polyamorous relationships feature many of the same ideals, such as consent, dedication, and, of course, love.
Since polyamory is not based on the perceived ownership of another, it alleviates feelings of jealousy; it is understood that love is shared between multiple people.
Polyamorous relationships allow for varied and greater emotional support.
There are benefits to having multi-partnered relationships that can’t be realized due to the negative attention polyamory receives.
This lifestyle is ultimately beneficial to those involved and harmless to everyone else, yet it is shamed and degraded because it doesn’t follow a certain set of values and norms.
Polyamorous relationships aren’t for everyone, but stigmas against polyamory ultimately restrict how others conduct their personal and romantic lives.
However, according to Tracy Giuliano, a psychologist at Southwestern University in Texas, “the more aware people were of polyamory, the more positive their attitudes were.”
With increased familiarity and awareness comes understanding and the acceptance of healthy lifestyle choices, such as polyamory, that go against the grain.
