Open polyamory is a relationship style characterized by an agreement among involved parties that allows for multiple romantic or sexual partnerships. In contrast to monogamy, where each partner limits their interactions to one partner, open polyamory allows individuals to pursue various relationships simultaneously.
Cultural differences can affect how people view this practice.
One study found that cultural beliefs around collectivism vs. individualism may impact attitudes toward polyamory. Collectivists prioritize group harmony above personal desires, whereas individualists place more emphasis on self-expression. The study found that in cultures with collectivist values, such as Asia and Latin America, people were less likely to accept polyamorous relationships than those with individualistic views in Western Europe and North America. This could be due to cultural norms that emphasize marriage and monogamy as the ideal way to raise children.
Another study also looked at cultural variations in attitudes toward polyamory and found that collectivist cultures generally frown upon it more than individualist ones. This could stem from a focus on maintaining family ties and stability, which would be disrupted by having multiple partners. In addition, some religious or societal traditions discourage non-monogamy, further contributing to negative perceptions of polyamory.
Other research suggests that there are exceptions within these cultural groups.
The Japanese concept of 'miai' allows arranged marriages between families while still allowing for extramarital affairs outside the official union. This demonstrates the nuances of culture and how it affects relationship norms.
Cultural attitudes towards polyamory vary widely based on factors like collectivism versus individualism. While some countries may view it negatively, others may embrace the idea in various ways. More studies need to explore this topic to better understand these differences and their potential implications.
How does openness to polyamory vary across cultures with collectivist versus individualist values?
Openness to polyamory is often influenced by cultural beliefs about monogamy and marriage, as well as attitudes toward gender roles and sexuality. Research suggests that individuals from collectivistic cultures tend to value harmony within their social groups more than those from individualistic cultures, which may lead them to be less receptive towards nonmonogamy (Chan et al. , 2019).