Analysis Of Forsaking All Others The Norm Of Monogamy

The authors of the article “Forsaking All Others: The Norm of Monogamy,” center their discussion around the norms of monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. In this case, these norms do not refer to socially recognized social norms, but rather enforced standards. Throughout the article, the authors provide evidence to support their main overarching belief that by accepting monogamy as a norm, disvalue can in turn be the result. To do this this, they begin by defining what monogamy is and what non-monogamy is not, in addition to distinguishing the meaning of erotic relationships and activity, and voluntariness. Practical rationales for monogamy are also examined and some defenses are brought up against them. Overall, the authors’ goal was to clearly set forth the conditions involved in the two types of relationships. I would like to begin by summarizing the authors’ definition of monogamy and its norms. The term monogamy refers to two partners who volunteer to be in an erotic relationship with each other, while refraining from being involved in some range of erotic activity with anyone else. It is important to note that the range of erotic activity outside of the original relationship may vary between couples. It is also important to place emphasis on the fact that monogamous relationships are voluntarily binding. …show more content…
For example, a possible belief is that monogamy is necessary in order to safeguard the relationship. Safeguarding is a measure to protect someone from something undesirable. In these terms, safeguarding is ensuring that another relationship does not threaten the original relationship by growing to a higher level of intimacy (Weaver and Woollard 26). After considering this argument, the authors raise the question of whether or not safeguarding can be effective and state that there is an issue with the notion that relationships need