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Bennett T. The Marginalization of Kink: Kinkphobia, Vanilla-Normativity and Kink-Normativity. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39028679 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2381520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
A recent wave of academic research has highlighted the wide-ranging and negative impacts that stigma against kink has on kinksters. As scholarship continues to explore prejudice and discrimination around kink, this article argues that fresh insight can be found by drawing on adjacent work around other stigmatized sexualities. Over the previous decades, scholars in sexuality studies and queer studies have developed a powerful conceptual framework of "phobias" and "normativities" for thinking about the marginalization of sexual differences. This framework has its origins in the concepts of homophobia, heteronormativity and homonormativity, but its naming conventions and analytical insights have since been extended to address reproduction, romantic love, monogamy, gender identity, etc. This article argues that this conceptual framework should be expanded once again, this time to encompass kink. Building on the nascent use of this conceptual framework within kink scholarship, this article defines and expands on the concepts of kinkphobia and vanilla-normativity, and introduces the new concept of kink-normativity. This article demonstrates how these concepts can help us better talk about and think through the marginalization of kink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Bennett
- Sexology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Mahar EA, Irving LH, Derovanesian A, Masterson A, Webster GD. Stigma Toward Consensual Non-Monogamy: Thematic Analysis and Minority Stress. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2024; 50:571-586. [PMID: 36461779 DOI: 10.1177/01461672221139086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Consensually non-monogamous (CNM) romantic and sexual relationships tend to be stigmatized. The present research examined this stigma across two studies. First, we qualitatively explored the specific ways that people in CNM relationships report experiencing stigma using thematic analysis and identified the following four themes: Expressions of discomfort/disapproval of CNM, Loss of resources/threatening behaviors, Character devaluation, and Relationship devaluation (Study 1; N = 372). Second, we examined the relationship between experienced stigma and psychological well-being for people in CNM relationships, using the framework of minority stress theory. We found that experienced stigma was positively associated with psychological distress and that this association was partially statistically mediated by anticipated stigma and internalized stigma (Study 2; N = 383). Overall, this research strives to achieve a better understanding of the processes and potential consequences of stigma toward CNM relationships and individuals.
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Rodrigues DL, Brooks TR, Balzarini RN, Moors AC, Lopes D. Examining the Role of Mononormative Beliefs, Stigma, and Internalized Consensual Non-Monogamy Negativity for Dehumanization. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:889-899. [PMID: 38182813 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Interest in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships has been increasing in the general population in recent years. However, given the cultural dominance of monogamy and the normative expectations often imposed through socialization (i.e., mononormativity), people in CNM relationships may experience negativity, which can become internalized and harm their individual and relationship health. The present study investigated if mononormativity beliefs and CNM relationship stigma were associated with more dehumanization and if internalized CNM negativity was an underlying mechanism for these associations. Results showed that participants who endorsed more mononormative beliefs and CNM relationship stigma also reported more internalized CNM negativity. In turn, participants who experienced more internalized CNM negativity attributed more negative (vs. positive) emotions to themselves and treated their partners as more immature, unrefined, exploitable, and emotionless. These results show that mononormativity and internalized negativity can shape the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of CNM individuals toward themselves and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Rodrigues
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Thomas R Brooks
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM, USA
| | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Amy C Moors
- Department of Psychology, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Science, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Diniz Lopes
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisbon, Portugal
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Campbell C, Scoats R, Wignall L. "Oh! How Modern! And... Are You Ok with That?": Consensually Non-Monogamous People's Experiences When Accessing Sexual Health Care. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37641450 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2246464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The current research explored consensually non-monogamous peoples' experiences accessing sexual healthcare. Using a mixed method approach, a sample of 67 consensually non-monogamous individuals (48% Polyamorous; 42% Relationship Anarchy/Solo polyamory; 6% Swingers; 4% Uncategorized) reported having significantly lower rates of trust in healthcare professionals compared to standardized scores. Sixty-three percent of participants reported disclosing their relationship status to a clinician when accessing sexual health services, whereas 37% sometimes or never disclosed. Qualitative responses identified that some participants reported a willingness to be open about their relationships, but many chose to "pass" as monogamous to both simplify and streamline their interactions as well as to avoid potential stigma. Participants reported a wide range of experiences with clinicians from those who were accepting and professional, to some who displayed prejudice and withheld treatment. This research outlines some of the experiences and challenges presented to consensual non-monogamists when accessing sexual healthcare as well as providing suggestions for clinicians to help remove some of the barriers to appropriate patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Campbell
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogical Science, St Mary's University
| | - R Scoats
- School of Humanities, Coventry University
| | - L Wignall
- Department of Psychology, University of Brighton
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de Rivas S, Lecuona Ó, Castro Á, Barrada JR. Personality and Mating Orientations in Monogamy and Consensual Non-Monogamy in Young Spanish University Students. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1785-1798. [PMID: 36469146 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02483-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is a non-normative relationship that can generally be defined as relationships in which the involved individuals have openly agreed that they can have other sexual and/or affective partners. Despite growing interest in CNM, little research has been conducted regarding characteristics of the involved individuals, as well as comparing CNM individuals and monogamous individuals' characteristics. Expanding this research is important, as CNM constitutes a sizeable minority group, and CNM individuals and relationships are subject to stigma and dehumanization. The present study compared CNM and monogamous individuals in terms of personality (including "dark" personality) and mating orientations (sociosexuality and long-term mating) in young Spanish university students. Main results indicated that CNM individuals did not differ much in personality nor were they prone to higher "dark" personality traits when compared to monogamous individuals. Regarding mating orientations, CNM individuals were prone to higher sociosexuality levels and lower levels of long-term mating. Interestingly, results showed positive correlations between sociosexuality and "dark" personality in monogamous individuals, but not in CNM individuals. In conclusion, young Spanish university CNM individuals seem to be more pro-sex than monogamous people and less committed to the romantic love narrative of long-term mating, but these individuals were not more untrustworthy, self-centered, ruthless, or malevolent. Results were also discussed regarding their implications in the stigma and dehumanization of CNM people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara de Rivas
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, King Juan Carlos University, Departamental II, Desp. 1023. Avenida de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Óscar Lecuona
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, King Juan Carlos University, Departamental II, Desp. 1023. Avenida de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Castro
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Juan Ramón Barrada
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
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Scoats R, Campbell C. What do we know about consensual non-monogamy? Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 48:101468. [PMID: 36215906 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen considerable interest in consensual non-monogamy from both public and academic perspectives. At least 5% of the North American population is currently in a consensually non-monogamous relationship of some form and there is little difference in measures of relationship quality compared to monogamous relationships. Despite increasing levels of understanding and engagement many practitioners of consensual non-monogamy still experience stigma (and minority stress) which is exacerbated by context (e.g. parenting, healthcare settings), type of consensual non-monogamy (e.g. polyamory vs swinging) and intersects with other identities (e.g. race, sexuality). This review outlines what is currently understood about consensual non-monogamy and argues that relationship diversity has a place alongside gender and sexuality when studying sexual behaviours, romantic relationships, and well-being.
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Thompson AE, Osborn M, Gooch K, Ravet M. An Empirical Investigation of Variations in Outcomes Associated with Heterosexual Adults' Most Recent Mixed-Sex Threesome Experience. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3021-3031. [PMID: 35767200 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research reveals that a substantial proportion of North American adults report interest in and experience with mixed-sex threesomes (MSTs; sexual activity involving three people at the same time in which persons of more than one sex are present). Despite the prevalence of MST participation, little is known about the outcomes of MST experiences. Thus, the current study assessed MST outcomes using various metrics including the extent to which one's most recent MST met expectations, the likelihood of participating in the MST again, and whether an orgasm was experienced. In addition, the extent to which one's sex, the sex of those involved, and the inclusion of one's romantic partner impacted outcomes was examined. Data from 276 heterosexual adults (217 men, 59 women) revealed that, overall, adults report fairly positive outcomes from their most recent MST and that males reported more positive outcomes than did females (particularly when engaging in a MST with two members of the other sex). In addition, MSTs involving one's romantic partner resulted in more positive outcomes than did those with casual partners. These results confirm that MSTs can be a satisfying experience particularly for heterosexual males and those participating with a romantic partner. Implications for educators looking to destigmatize various forms of nonmonogamies and for practitioners who intend to assist adults interested in safely exploring multi-person sexual behavior are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 320 Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN, 55812-3010, USA.
| | - McKenna Osborn
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 320 Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN, 55812-3010, USA
| | - Katie Gooch
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 320 Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN, 55812-3010, USA
| | - Mariah Ravet
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 320 Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN, 55812-3010, USA
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Hamilton LD, De Santis C, Thompson AE. Introduction to the Special Section on Consensual Non-Monogamy. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1217-1223. [PMID: 34089124 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02055-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dawn Hamilton
- Psychology Department, Mount Allison University, 49A York Street, Sackville, NB, E4L 1C7, Canada.
| | - Carm De Santis
- Department of Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies, St. Jerome's University, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ashley E Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
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