Question: What is the difference between Polyamory and Polygamy
Answer: Polygamy is the term for having multiple spouses and is practiced in cultures worldwide. Polygamist groups getting the most press are heterosexual, religious-based, patriarchal, perceived and represented as cultish, and sometimes involve teen girls who are married to an older man who has more than one wife. Generally these women are not free to have sexual relationships with others. However, those represented in the news are not the only kinds of polygamists, and many polygamists disapprove of marrying young girls to older men. It is common for people living in polygamist relationships do so in secret because of fears relating to being involved in a practice that is seen as deviant.
Polyamory is usually not related to a religion and is unrelated to marriage, although some polyamorous people are married or have participated in commitment ceremonies with their partners. Polyamory means having multiple loving relationships, usually, but not always sexual. People in polyamorous relationships stress the importance of open communication and equal relationships between partners whether male or female.
Polygamy in the United States and Western cultures is often associated with patriarchal religions. Polyamory is often associated with counter-culture, feminists and radical lesbians.
Source: Mossie Black
