Serial monogamy
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2008-07-12T15:55:03Z
Bradley0110
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'''Serial monogamy''' is characterized by a series of long- or short-term, exclusive [[sexual]] relationships entered into consecutively over the lifespan.<ref>Definition by [http://www.health24.com/sex/Glossary/1253-1271,26484.asp Health24's] sex glossary.</ref> In common usage the two partners need not be [[marriage|married]], but may be involved in a serious relationship. This behavior is a variant of [[monogamy]], in which a given individual has only one sexual partner throughout life. This behavior is sometimes referred to as a form of,<ref>[http://www.ilaam.net/Brochures/Brochure-13.html Mary Amir Ali, Ph.D.] refers to the practice as ''serial polygamy''</ref> or replacement for,<ref>''[http://gruntledcenter.blogspot.com/2006/02/serial-monogamy-serial-polygamy-or.html Serial Monogamy, Serial Polygamy, or Worse?]'' suggests that some rich men only practice serial monogamy because polygamy is illegal.</ref> [[polygamy]]. This practice inherently excludes the practice of having multiple simultaneous sexual partners; however, people sometimes 'cheat' on their partners. This act goes against the 'code' of monogamy.
==Animals==
{{main|Animal sexuality}}
Generally, any animals that do not [[mating|mate]] with one partner for life can be considered serially monogamous, including those who find a second mate only upon the death of the first.
==Western culture==
Within [[Western culture]], serial monogamy is considered more fundamental than "full" monogamy.<ref>Serena Petrella (Department of Sociology, Carleton University, Canada) declares serial monogamy a "norm" in her article ''[http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/ci/sexuality/s1/s1.htm Only with You – Maybe – If You Make Me Happy: A Genealogy of Serial Monogamy as Governance and Self- Governance].</ref> <ref> [http://www.zephoria.org/thoughts/archives/2003/05/01/feminism_and_the_moral_animal.html Feminism and The Moral Animal] states: "We do not actually live in a society built on monogamy, but on serial monogamy."</ref> Relatively few people consciously enter a long-term relationship wanting it to eventually end so as to begin another.
===Divorce===
Serial monogamy has always been closely linked to [[divorce]] practices. Whenever procedures for obtaining divorce have been simple and easy, serial monogamy has been found.<ref>It is said to have been "rife" in ancient Rome ''[http://www.trivia-library.com/b/alternative-forms-of-marriage-serial-monogamy.htm Alternative Forms of Marriage Serial Monogamy]'' at Trivia-Library.com.</ref> As divorce has continued to become more accessible, more individuals have availed themselves of it, and many go on to remarry.<ref>In Canada, 46% of divorcées will remarry according to ''[http://www.slaw.ca/2006/06/28/serial-monogamy-not/ Till death do us part? The risk of first and second marriage dissolution]'' by Warren Clark and Susan Crompton.</ref>
==See also==
*[[Sexual revolution]]
==Notes==
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[[Category:Marriage]]
[[Category:Mating systems]]
[[Category:Sexual fidelity]]