Consensual Non-Monogamy
Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) – also commonly referred to as ethical non-monogamy (ENM) – an umbrella term for relationship arrangements in which all participants knowingly and voluntarily agree that the relationship need not be sexually and/or romantically exclusive.
Consensual non-monogamy is based on informed consent, openness, communication, and mutually negotiated boundaries. The specific agreements may differ: they may permit sexual relationships, romantic relationships, or both, and may apply equally or differently to the people involved.
Consensual non-monogamy includes polyamory, open relationships, swinging, and other forms of openly negotiated non-exclusive relationships. It should not be confused with infidelity, which involves concealing a relationship or violating the boundaries agreed upon by the participants.
Consensual non-monogamy does not necessarily imply a lack of commitment, emotional intimacy, or responsibility. People involved in such relationships may establish long-term partnerships, shared households, parenting arrangements, and other forms of mutual care.
In gender and feminist studies, consensual non-monogamy may be examined in relation to sexual autonomy, the social privileging of monogamy, gendered power relations, emotional and care labour, and the unequal application of sexual norms to women and men.
See also: Polyamory, Monogamy, Open Relationship, Sexual Autonomy.
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