Radical Relations: Exploring Polyamory as a Transgressive Philosophy and Practice

The purpose of this research is to explore polyamory among queer women as a transgressive philosophy and practice. Through individual qualitative interviews, the daily lives, past and present experiences, relationships and life philosophies of five queer polyamorous women are considered. Interviews are analyzed with an eye towards the personal as political as well as the practical and philosophical elements involved in constructing romantic relationships consistently with one's personal ideology. A critical understanding of the link between economics and social norms shows the importance of studying alternative relationship and family models. By attempting to create relationships that are consistent with their beliefs, these women are challenging the current dominant definitions of relationships, family and community. While polyamory can be a difficult practice, participants use it as part of a broader philosophy that transgresses Western social organization in a way that creatively combines the personal and political.M.A.2016-05-19 00:00:0