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Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry

The Problem with Polyamory - Ross Douthat | Maiden Mother Matriarch 104

Aug 21, 2024
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author, dives deep into the evolving landscape of polyamory and its implications for modern relationships. He discusses how polyamory, rooted in the sexual revolution, may be shifting towards traditional models. The conversation explores society's perceptions of open relationships, especially among high-status individuals. Douthat also touches on the complexities of euthanasia in a post-abundance society, highlighting ethical dilemmas and societal norms surrounding bodily autonomy.
54:03

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Polyamory aims to redefine emotional fulfillment through open communication but often replicates traditional relationship challenges, leading to emotional hurt.
  • The struggle for societal acceptance of polygamous relationships reflects deep-rooted power dynamics and stigmas that hinder non-conventional relationship models.

Deep dives

Polyamory and Its Cultural Context

Polyamory is discussed as a modern adaptation of the sexual revolution's norms, particularly focusing on how it aims to redefine promiscuity within a framework that addresses emotional and sexual needs through open communication. The speaker suggests that polyamory attempts to create a therapeutic environment where relationships can flourish without deception, yet highlights the irony that it often fails to prevent emotional hurt. An illustrative example is provided through the case of a popular neuroscientist whose multiple romantic entanglements led to allegations of deception, illustrating the complexities and challenges associated with navigating non-monogamous relationships. This scenario raises questions about whether polyamory genuinely offers an improvement over traditional monogamy or simply repackages old issues in a new guise.

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