Polyamory
Polyamory – from the Greek poly, meaning “many,” and the Latin amor, meaning “love” – a form of consensual non-monogamy in which a person may have, or be open to having, more than one romantic and/or intimate relationship at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
Polyamorous relationships are based on informed consent, open communication, mutually negotiated boundaries, and respect for the autonomy of all participants. The structure of such relationships may vary: some involve several interconnected partners, while others consist of separate relationships maintained by one or more people.
Polyamory does not necessarily mean that every participant has multiple partners, nor does it imply an absence of commitment, emotional intimacy, responsibility, or long-term attachment.
Polyamory should not be confused with infidelity, which involves concealment or the violation of agreed relationship boundaries, or with polygamy, which refers primarily to marriage involving more than two spouses.
In gender and feminist studies, polyamory may be examined in relation to sexual and relational autonomy, the social privileging of monogamy, gendered power relations, jealousy, emotional labour, and the distribution of care.
See also: Consensual Non-Monogamy, Open Relationship.
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