ABSTRACT
This chapter explores and interrogates some of the stereotypes and stigmas associated with consensual non-monogamy in general. Stigma attached to consensual non-monogamy is a way of legitimising monogamous culture and people’s personal engagement with monogamy. Consequently, individuals and institutions within monogamist societies are rarely encouraged to examine the validity of negative claims made of consensual non-monogamy, as these investigations might destabilise monogamy. When explored more thoroughly, however, the stigmatising assumptions around consensual non-monogamy are often found to be based in misinformation and stereotype. Thus, although different relationship forms and sexual practices are subject to different levels of stigma, this chapter identifies a number of generic stereotypes levelled at consensual non-monogamy as a whole. These are termed: the consensual non-monogamy burden.
