U.S. National Identity and the Role of Legal Recognition for Persons Practicing Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM)
If you practice any form of consensual non-monogamy, then you may be able to participate in this study. The purpose of this study is to understand how persons who are polyamorous, in an open relationship, or are practicing other forms of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) view their personal identity in relation to CNM and to national identity, citizenship, and belonging, and finally to determine whether or not legal recognition is desirable.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years old or older
- Currently practicing, or in the last 5 years practiced, some form of CNM
- Currently living in the United States (U.S. citizenship not required)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Younger than 18 years old
- Only engaged in secret sexual or romantic activity (i.e. “cheating”)
- Live outside the United States
You will be asked to…
In a 90 – 120 minute (1.5 to 2 hours) interview, you will be asked to answer questions about your personal identity, romantic and sexual relationships, sense of citizenship, a recent domestic partnership ordinance in Somerville, MA, to compare different forms of non-monogamy (including polygamy), and to reflect on meaning at local, national, and global levels.
Will you receive anything for being in this study?
This is an unpaid study. You will not receive anything for taking part in this study.
Will it cost you anything to be in this study?
It will not cost you anything to be in this study.
Rationale:
The perceived idealized norm for romantic and sexual relationships and family in the United States is of long-term committed unions between only two people (i.e. monogamy). Throughout U.S. history there have been opportunities to break with the monogamy. It remains the dominant norm and is tied to respectability and productive citizenship, but this may be changing. This study is important because more research is needed to understand the ways in which social and political discourse in the United States have codified monogamy as American and non-monogamy as un-American. This research also seeks to understand how different forms of nonmonogamy are perceived as similar and distinct from one another.
Contact Info:
If you are eligible and want to participate,please contact the Principal Investigator.
Evelyn Rosengren-Hovee
317-701-8216 (call or text)
IRB #: 21-0076 | Approved 02-09-2021