Polyamory and Polygamy – Why it Matters Today
Are you the type who enjoys loud musings and fantasies of surreal things affecting our everyday life? Do you find your mind slipping away into a utopic future or an adventurous past? Take a moment and conceptualize what our world will be like a decade from now. How about in forty years when you’ll probably be called grandma and grandpa? Well, it doesn’t hurt to imagine.
The point is, the world is sporadically changing. Whether positively or not, we’ll leave you to be the judge. What is acceptable today was mythical just a century ago. One of the areas that have experienced an epic level of revolution is human and social relations, especially intimate ones. Today, conversations revolving around polygamy vs polyamory, same-sex marriage, inclusion, and non-judgments are hot topics.
Today, we’ll define polyamory vs polygamy and see why this conversation really matters in our present era. Tighten your seat belt as we take a ride to love square in the romantic village of the 21st century.
Polyamory and Polygamy; What’s the Difference?
Most of you have already heard of polygamy, be it in a traditional or religious narrative or even in pop culture. Polygamy has managed to stick around long enough to birth a baby – polyamory. There are tactical differences between the two, and we aim to draw the line between polyamorous vs polygamous relationships. Check out this Dating Reviewer for examples of both.
Polygamous Relationships
Let’s start with the known factor before we define the X factor. The etymological roots of the term polygamy come from the Greek word πολυγαμία. It simply denotes a marital affair with multiple spouses. On most occasions, polygamy refers to the man in the favorable position of choosing numerous partners. It contrasts strongly with polyandry which follows a maternalistic trend allowing the woman to take more than one husband.
Polyandry was common in ancient Eastern cultures such as Indian, Chinese, the Americas, Canadian Arctic, and minor parts of Africa. However, polygamy was present in most cultures worldwide and was a sign of wealth, power, status, and pride.
Polyamorous Relationships
Is polyamory the same as polygamy?
Before we answer that question, consider this rebuttal: does sweetwater cease to be water on account of the sweeteners used?
How do polyamorous relations work?
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/four-person-standing-on-cliff-in-front-of-sun-697243/
Largely, polyamory vs polygamy is considered distinct narratives. Polyamorous relationships allow both parties to have multiple relationships outside their union from whichever gender they desire. Now, you don’t have to be in power or some wealthy anarchist to engage in multiple relations.
Polyamory appears attractive to younger people today because it gives you the liberty and freedom you wouldn’t enjoy if you were in a closed relationship. Essentially, you get to ‘cheat’ with your partner’s full knowledge and consent. It’s more or less similar to swingers who are married couples and have written permission to have extramarital affairs.
Further Differences between Polyamory vs Polygamy
Unlike polygamy, polyamorous relationships don’t rely on religion. Anyone from any race any time can engage in one so long as both partners are cool with that. The term ‘polyamory’ erupted in the 1990s as feminism took another turn and women got more recognition. Rock and roll culture in the ’60s gave rise to a rebellious generation who wanted to defy all odds and social norms.
Now that you know the polyamory and polygamy difference, how do the two interrelate? Why does it even matter?
Importance of Understanding Polyamorous vs Polygamous Unions
Are polyamory and polygamy the same thing? No!
Both may have agreements to abide by, and that may give certain freedoms to one member as in the case of polygamy or special allowances to all. However, the ideology behind polyamory vs polygamy follows a ‘Roman style’ of love, which is what most Westerners subscribe to.
The Western concept of love denotes something abstract, something that’s out there and unattainable. As such, the parties are in a constant paradox of ‘chasing after love.’
Sounds familiar?
It runs on emotions that are temporal and can die or subside at any one point. Moreover, it hinges on the ‘forbidden’ since that’s what makes the union so exciting.
Polyamorous vs polygamous relations both bring out the insatiable character of men and women. Since one partner can never be enough, one always desires for more and aspires to get it. For instance, polyamorous relationships do not necessarily need to be sexual. Hence, the emotional needs one doesn’t get from one partner can be fulfilled by another.
The philosophy of love in the Western world talks mainly of romance. This philosophy differs from more concrete Easter concepts that involve visible and tangible things. That said, getting that understanding is critical today, even as you choose and meditate on the kind of union you want. It may sound appealing and adventurous to experiment on something new, but the question remains, will it bring you true happiness?
Keep it real.
