How Did Polyamory Become So Popular?

The article delves into the growing acceptance and portrayal of non-monogamous relationships in contemporary culture, especially within literature, television, and movies. The shift away from traditional monogamy is depicted through examples like HBO's "Succession" and various novels exploring open relationships and polyamory. The author notes a significant change in societal attitudes, with a majority of adults under thirty finding open marriage acceptable, and about twenty percent of Americans experimenting with some form of non-monogamy. This cultural trend is attributed to factors such as pandemic-induced domestic ennui and the influence of therapists like Tammy Nelson and renowned figures like Esther Perel promoting flexible thinking about monogamy.

The article introduces the book "American Poly" by historian Christopher M. Gleason, which traces the evolution of contemporary polyamory from its roots in the post-1960s era. Gleason argues that polyamory advocates, such as Jud Presmont of the Kerista movement, strategically aligned with conservative values in the 1980s, presenting non-monogamy as a means to strengthen familial bonds rather than dismantle traditional family values. The narrative explores how polyamory shed countercultural trappings in the 1990s, adopting rule-based approaches outlined in books like "The Ethical Slut." The author suggests that, despite its initial utopian ideals, non-monogamy has become a structured and rule-oriented practice, challenging the perception of it as a free-spirited alternative to traditional monogamous relationships.