Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys

Views of Monogamy and Non-Monogamy Among Arizona Youth

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3756601
AutoresC Cotton (0000-0002-1242-2089, Arizona State University, autor correspondente), Amina Melendez-Mayfield (Arizona State University), Analicia Zamora Castro (Arizona State University), Nilda Flores‐gonzález (Arizona State University), Nilda Flores-González (0000-0003-1770-2407, Arizona State University)
Ano2024
Data de publicação2024-09-24
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAmerican Behavioral Scientist (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0002-7642 • E-ISSN: 1552-3381
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00027642241284270
OpenAlexW4402758718
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas16

Norms and ideals of romantic relationships, from dating through to marriage, have undergone significant shifts in recent decades. Views of roles and expectations within relationships may have evolved toward less conventional forms of romantic unions, opening up the possibility of non-monogamous relationships. Despite these potential shifts, the U.S. context maintains a culture of mononormativity, where monogamy is considered the ideal, and for some the only, form of relationship. Drawing on 92 interviews with young Arizonans aged 21 to 32 from the Arizona Youth Identity Project, we explore views of and desire for monogamy in romantic relationships. We focus on two questions: (1) Do young adults uphold mononormative views? and (2) How are these views distinguished between personal preferences versus broader social expectations? We find that some young people uphold mononormativity for themselves and as a social institution, viewing non-monogamy as harmful or unnatural. Many others, however, see monogamy as their personal preference but accept non-monogamy for others, often without reservations. A small number of young adults express personal openness toward non-monogamy or explicit refusal of monogamy in their own lives. Collectively, these findings show that while there remains an enduring preference for monogamy in young people's personal relationships, there is substantial acceptance and support for non-monogamy for others, suggesting that the hold of mononormativity may be loosened for young adults

Criminology · Sociology · Gender Studies · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Psychology · Social Psychology