Infidelity Norm
Question #1
a) If monogamy is the norm for most adults in intimate partnerships, then why is there so much extramarital infidelity? Are the two related (monogamy and infidelity)? Please explain your answer.
The article presented the argument that while we perceive monogamy as the norm, there is as many as 83% of populations around our world that accept polygamy as their way of living. The article also makes the argument that one of the reasons that monogamy is so established as the norm is because of its economic roots. It was easier to provide resources within a monogamous relationship to subsequent children. Looking at statistics such as the famous 40-50% of marriages in the United States ending in divorce, monogamy as the norm needs to be …show more content…
It does sound like he is look for a way to help his marriage. While this is a very positive intent, it could easily turn into a situation where an idea is being impose on a partner. I would have to be constantly aware of any messages that I might convey to the client even in a sub-contextual way as I would like for HIM to find his reasons for wanting a polyamorous relationship.
c) What might you do to prepare for his next appointment? (What would you do following his first visit at which he discloses his needs and intentions for therapy?)
I would spend some time exploring his needs in his current relationship. I would like for him to mention what are the positive and the negatives of the current state of his relationship. I would like to find out what he has tried to remedy his feelings of “emptiness” while in his current relationship. I would have to provide space for him to unbox the reasons why he is drawn to “polyamorous” relationships as an idea to bring up to his partner. Overall, I would take the time to let the client settle and make an aware conclusion about his own desires while in a
a) If monogamy is the norm for most adults in intimate partnerships, then why is there so much extramarital infidelity? Are the two related (monogamy and infidelity)? Please explain your answer.
The article presented the argument that while we perceive monogamy as the norm, there is as many as 83% of populations around our world that accept polygamy as their way of living. The article also makes the argument that one of the reasons that monogamy is so established as the norm is because of its economic roots. It was easier to provide resources within a monogamous relationship to subsequent children. Looking at statistics such as the famous 40-50% of marriages in the United States ending in divorce, monogamy as the norm needs to be …show more content…
It does sound like he is look for a way to help his marriage. While this is a very positive intent, it could easily turn into a situation where an idea is being impose on a partner. I would have to be constantly aware of any messages that I might convey to the client even in a sub-contextual way as I would like for HIM to find his reasons for wanting a polyamorous relationship.
c) What might you do to prepare for his next appointment? (What would you do following his first visit at which he discloses his needs and intentions for therapy?)
I would spend some time exploring his needs in his current relationship. I would like for him to mention what are the positive and the negatives of the current state of his relationship. I would like to find out what he has tried to remedy his feelings of “emptiness” while in his current relationship. I would have to provide space for him to unbox the reasons why he is drawn to “polyamorous” relationships as an idea to bring up to his partner. Overall, I would take the time to let the client settle and make an aware conclusion about his own desires while in a