Polygamy vs Polyamory: Definition, Differences and More

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Many people are used to monogamous relationships, which involve being married to one person. However, other types of relationships exist and are as successful as monogamous relationships. A good example is polygamy vs polyamory relationships.

In this article, you will learn what each concept means, how they are different from each other and what you should expect from each of these. 

Going forward, we will also try to answer questions like ‘How does polygamy work’ and ‘What is the polyamorous vs polygamy approach’. Additionally, we will garner some tips on how to handle a relationship the right way and balance your expectations while being in one.

What are polygamy and polyamory?

Before delving into the polygamy vs polyamory debate, let’s try to understand what each of these terms stands for. 

It is expedient to note that polygamy vs polyamory has close meanings and similarities, but they do not mean the same thing. Hence, if you have asked questions like what is the difference between polygamy and polyamory, understand that their uniqueness starts from what they fundamentally mean.

Polyamory is a consensual relationship where people engage in a romantic and emotional relationship that involves more than one person. This means that three or four people and above can be involved in this relationship, with everyone aware of one another.

In comparison, polygamy relationships are a practice where one person is married to multiple partners. Polygamy is divided into polygyny and polyandry.

People often mistake the meaning of polygyny for polygamy relationship meaning. Polygyny is a union involving a man and multiple women. 

In comparison, polyandry is a marriage practice where a woman has more than one husband. When it comes to intimacy in polygamy, it depends on how the partners in the union decide to do it.

To know more about polyamory, check out this research study by Daniel Cardoso and other brilliant authors. This article helps you learn more about handling a consensually non-monogamous relationship. 

Polygamy vs polyamory: 5 key differences

Many people mistake both terms for each other because of their close meanings. However, when it comes to polygamy vs polyamory, it is important to note that they are different from each other in some decisive ways.

Gender

It is important to mention that polygamy vs polyamory are gender-neutral terminologies. This means that both terms can be used when men have several romantic partners of any gender or women with many multiple partners of any gender.

Additionally, it could mean nonbinary individuals with several romantic partners of any gender.

When it comes to polygamy, one person has more than one spouse as their married partner. Polygamy is divided into polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny occurs when a man has more than one wife. In contrast, polyandry is a practice where a woman has more than one husband.

For polyamory, it is when a man is romantically linked with many partners (men and women) or when a woman has multiple partners (men or women). Irrespective of the combination, all parties involved are aware of each other. So, it is as open as possible.

Related Reading: What Is Gender Therapy: Benefits and How to Access It

Marriage

When it comes to marriage, the difference between polygamy and polyamory is quite distinct. Polygamy involves marriage specifically. This involves a man having more than one wife and a woman having more than one husband. All the parties involved have a legally binding commitment to one another.

On the other hand, polyamory is a multiple-partner relationship. It involves an intimate union that encompasses both dating and marriage. No one in this union would blame any party for cheating because the relationship is consensual but not legally backed.

Religion

Another factor that cannot be left out in the polygamy vs polyamory differences is religion. 

There are some people who practice polygamy because their religion allows it. For instance, you will find some people religiously driven to enter polygamous relationships. 

Then there are others who are strictly against polygamy as their religion preaches against it. When it comes to polyamory, anyone can practice it irrespective of their religion. However, if their religion forbids it and they are caught in the act, they might be regarded as sinners.

Related Reading: Religious Conflicts in Families: The Etymology and How to Solve Them?

Legality

Another difference between polygamy vs polyamory is its legality. When it comes to the legal status of a multiple-partner relationship like polygamy, not all countries have made it legal. This is why anyone who wants a polygamous relationship would organize a wedding ceremony that the state or region does recognize.

Some countries in the Middle East and some parts of Africa recognize polygamous marriages. However, what really applies, in this case, is polygyny, where a man is allowed to have several wives. Polyandry, on the other hand, is not recognized by most countries and states.

Hence, a polyamorous relationship is seen as an alternative since it is unconventional. Many people are allowed to have several partners if all the parties involved agree with it.

Related Reading: What is Legal Separation?

Origin

Concerning the differences between polygamy vs polyamory, another factor to consider is its origin. Poly is a Greek word for “many,” while Gamos means “marriage.” Hence, polygamous means a marriage involving many married partners.

In comparison, polyamory also takes its origin from the Greek word “poly,” meaning “many.” The word Amor is Latin, and it means Love or many loves. This makes polyamorous the practice of being romantically linked with several people simultaneously.

Therefore, they are closely knitted when it comes to the origin of polygamy vs polyamory.  

To understand polygamy and how polygamy works sexually on a wider scale, check out this research study by Guzel IIgizovna Galleva titled: Polygamy as a form of marriage, which is based on sociological research.

How does polygamy vs polyamory compare to other relationship dynamics?

Polygamy and polyamory are both non-monogamous relationship dynamics, but they differ in their structure and cultural context. Polygamy involves multiple spouses, typically with one male and multiple females, and is often associated with patriarchal societies and religious traditions. 

Polyamory, on the other hand, involves multiple romantic partners of any gender and is typically associated with more progressive and individualistic lifestyles. Both types of relationships can work for those involved, but they require open communication, honesty, and mutual respect to thrive.

How do you know if it’s right for you?

Deciding if polyamory or polygamy is right for you depends on your personal values, beliefs, and relationship goals. Before considering either, it’s important to do research and understand the potential challenges and benefits of each. 

Additionally, it’s important to have open and honest communication with current and potential partners to ensure everyone is on the same page. Ultimately, the decision to pursue non-monogamous relationships should be a consensual and informed choice made by all parties involved.

What should you expect moving forward?

In a polygamous or polyamorous relationship, you should be ready to navigate complex emotions and communication with multiple partners. This can require a high level of trust, honesty, and boundary-setting. 

You may also face social stigma and misconceptions from others. It’s important to establish clear expectations and boundaries, communicate openly and regularly, and prioritize the well-being of all parties involved. With effort and dedication, non-monogamous relationships can be fulfilling and rewarding.

Commonly asked questions

There can be so many questions when we talk about polygamy vs polyamory relationships, their challenges, rules, and approach to moving forward. This next section deals with some such questions along with their answers. 

• Where is polyamory illegal in the US?

Polyamory itself is not illegal in the US, but there are some states that have laws against certain aspects of non-monogamous relationships, such as adultery, bigamy, or cohabitation with more than one partner. 

These laws are rarely enforced, and the legality of non-monogamous relationships is complex and varies by state and situation.

• How does a polyamorous marriage work?

A polyamorous marriage typically involves more than two people in a committed, romantic relationship. 

The specifics of how it works can vary depending on the individuals involved, but it often involves open communication, consent, and agreements about boundaries and expectations. Legal recognition of polyamorous marriages is not currently available in most countries.

It’s worth noting that if at any point a relationship or marriage feels overwhelming, any or all the partners can go for couples counseling to seek the right support.

Here’s a video talking about ‘Does Polyamory Work?’

Polygamy vs polyamory: Decide for yourself

Deciding whether polygamy or polyamory is right for you is a personal choice that should be made with careful consideration and communication. Both relationship dynamics have their unique challenges and rewards, and neither is inherently better or worse than the other. 

What is most important is that all parties involved consent to and are comfortable with the relationship structure. Remember to research and educate yourself before making any decisions, and prioritize open communication, honesty, and mutual respect in all relationships.