Transitions In Polyamorous Identity And Intercultural Communication: An Application Of Identity Management Theory

Keywords

Consensual nonmonogamy; identity management theory; polyamory; relationships

Abstract

This study examines the communicative strategies and nonmonogamous identity formation of individuals who are polyamorous. We investigate the identity management tactics that individuals who are polyamorous utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy and monosexuality are the norm. Interactions of individuals who are polyamorous within a mononormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E-interviews with 38 individuals who are polyamorous provided basis for phone and Skype interviews. Twenty-two interviews produced the phases of identity management, including trial and error, enmeshment (mixing up), and renegotiation. Analyzing interviewees’ communication also produced the themes of managing stigma and impressions of the relationship identity. Implications of the study include a richer understanding of polyamorous identity management, polyamory as a relationship orientation, and a new perspective in applying identity management theory.

Publication Date

7-3-2017

Publication Title

Journal of Bisexuality

Volume

17

Issue

3

Number of Pages

277-299

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2017.1350897

Socpus ID

85026877726 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85026877726

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