Polyamory, the Ruling Class’s Latest Fad

The Atlantic  explores the growing fascination with polyamory, particularly through the lens of Molly Roden Winter’s memoir, “More: A Memoir of an Open Marriage.” Winter’s account reveals the challenges of a polyamorous life within the context of wealth, privilege, and an obsession with self-fulfillment. The author argues that the current interest in polyamory is intertwined with a broader cultural shift towards therapeutic libertarianism, emphasizing personal growth and autonomy. Despite marketing the polyamorous journey as liberating, the article suggests that Winter’s experience seems more like a cry for help, raising questions about the genuine happiness and fulfillment in such relationships.

The piece also critiques the recent polyamory discourse, highlighting its focus on trendsetters from the upper class, who enjoy the benefits of marriage before declaring monogamy passé. The author contends that this lifestyle choice is often financially and temporally privileged, neglecting the struggles faced by the working class. The article concludes by pointing out that, while open relationships can offer freedom for some, the application of therapeutic libertarianism in personal lives may lead to challenges and abjection, as demonstrated in Winter’s narrative. Overall, it presents a critical perspective on the current cultural shift towards polyamory.