Philippine E-Journals

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR: EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCE OF INDIVIDUALS IN POLYAMOROUS RELATIONSHIP

Daniel A. Castro | Joseph Ian Jasper A. Remigio | Geselle C. Manguiat

 

Abstract:

With the continuous expansion of the internet, people are seeking for different kinds of intimate relationships This includes the relationship form called polyamory, a relationship structure that allows the people involved to have multiple partners, consensual and honest relationship. It is distinguished from other forms of non-monogamous relationships (i.e. cheating or infidelity, swinging, and polygamy). Thus, leading the researchers to provide a study regarding its existence despite conducting it in a highly monogamous culture particularly in the Philippines and combined with the scarcity of local literature. The researchers sought to provide a definition of polyamory in the Philippines through the lived experience of the participants in the study. The researchers have interviewed 5 individuals who are currently engaged in a polyamorous set-up. The analysis resulted to 2 themes relating to how their lived experience can typify polyamory in the Philippines. The participants describe it as being in a relationship formed with consent, honesty, and commitment that could vary in the set-up of the people involved in it. These variations could include having partners who are romantic, sexual, and platonic, polyamorous, monogamous etc.