Multiamory: Rethinking Modern Relationships 171 - Polyamory, Family, and Children (with Dr. Eli Sheff)
May 15, 2018
Dr. Eli Sheff, a prominent researcher and author, returns to discuss her extensive work on polyamorous families, revealing how societal perceptions, family dynamics, and legal challenges are evolving. She shares practical strategies for raising children in non-traditional households and highlights the emotional resilience of kids in polyamorous environments. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of polyamory, addressing discrimination in housing and employment while advocating for greater understanding and support for diverse relationship models.
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Longitudinal View Reveals Changing Family Dynamics
- Longitudinal research reveals how family reactions and relationships change over years rather than a single snapshot.
- Elizabeth Sheff follows the same people every ~5 years to capture evolving family dynamics in polyamory.
Non-Monogamy Becomes A Menu Option
- Non-monogamy will likely join relationship options rather than replace monogamy.
- Sheff predicts serial monogamy will remain dominant while consensual non-monogamy becomes a mainstream 'menu' option.
Demand Legal Protection Before Media Exposure
- Require producers to fund a legal defense or protection before families appear on TV.
- Warn parents that media exposure can risk custody and school problems for their children.
