What is “Radical Monogamy”?
There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard about “radical monogamy,” so we’re here to introduce you. Monogamy has historically been the default relationship structure for many societies. Radical monogamy, a relatively new term, aims to contextualize and modernize this arrangement.
Radical Monogamy refers to the type of monogamy that has been questioned and consciously chosen.
Radical Monogamy is specifically NOT a ‘default.’ Instead, Radical Monogamy is “when you decide to unpack those cultural biases, ask yourself what type of relationship actually works best for you, and then choose monogamy,” according to LGBTQ+ activist Robyn Ochs in her anthology “Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World” where she and Sarah Rowley gather 220 personal essays from 185 bi+ authors from 42 countries.
Why Redefine Monogamy?
If falling into a monogamous relationship is the social norm, then there is inherent peer pressure to adhere to it. Instead, a healthier and more self-aware option is to sit down with your partner and examine the type of relationship you would both thrive in. Then, choosing to stay in a monogamous relationship with the understanding that you have the agency to do otherwise, is a whole different approach. The radical part is thinking for yourself.
Are there other types of monogamy?
As with any other relationship structure, there are variations in monogamy. Although most associate the word with sex, there are other ways to express intimacy monogamously.
Blogger Sarah Stroh (@monogamish_me) discusses this in her article ‘A Practical Overview of the 5 Types of Monogamy,’ differentiating between physical, social, financial, emotional and activity monogamy.
According to Ochs, radical monogamy is simply the opposite of ‘reflexive monogamy.’ Here, reflexive means ‘automatic’ or ‘reactionary.’ Reflexive monogamy is unscrutinized monogamy—monogamy based on habit and rooted in assumptions. We here at My Sex Bio seek to inspire intentionality in all areas—RADICAL monogamy included. Question the status quo and curate a life, and love, that fulfills you.
