POLYAMORY IN CONTEMPORARY BRAZIL

DEFINITIONS, GENDER, JEALOUSY AND PREJUDICE

Abstract

Affective relationships and their construction are part of contemporary challenges. People search for different types of relationships, including polyamory, which is the possibility of loving and having affective relationships with more than one person at the same time. The objective of this integrative review was to analyze how people who practice this type of relationship define the term polyamory, and its affective and social implications. We searched Google Scholar for studies on this topic conducted in Brazil in the last ten years and we included six studies. Study participants defined polyamory as having more than one love relationship at the same time, and consider this type of relationship as more evolved than monogamy. We highlight and analyze polyamory related issues including jealousy, idealization of polyamory, fidelity and poly-fidelity, prejudice, marriage, and gender equity, as well as the challenges in this type of relationship with love partners, families and society. Study participants reported that constant social and family pressure, along with difficulties claiming rights, contribute to the lack of recognition of polyamorous relationships by society.