Understanding Non-Monogamies

Barker and Langdridge (psychology, Open U., UK) compile 26 essays in the burgeoning study of non-monogamies. The volume is unique in providing perspectives on different forms of non-monogamous relationships, including both celebratory and critical perspectives, and is a balanced view of the topic. Contributors working in human sexuality, psychology, women's studies, cultural studies, sociology, and other fields in the US, Europe, Israel, and Australia discuss boundary setting; representations in literature, non-fiction, and media; forms like non-monogamous gay men, swinging, polyamory, and with young women; intersections with aspects of sexuality, gender, culture, and ability; polyamorous parents, the experiences of children in such families, and whether it could be a framework for foster parenting; implications for psychotherapeutic work, self-help literature, and issues of jealousy; and theorizing about commitment and trust, different cultural contexts, and anarchist perspectives. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Meg Barker is a lecturer in psychology at the Open University and a sex and relationship therapist. She and Darren Langdridge have published Safe, Sane, Consensual: Contemporary Perspectives on Sadomasochism with Palgrave and are now editing a new journal, Psychology & Sexuality, with Taylor & Francis. Meg's research publications focus on sexualities and relationships.

Darren Langdridge is a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University and a UKCP accredited existential psychotherapist. His research expertise is in sexualities and hermeneutic phenomenology. He has co-edited several books including Safe, Sane, Consensual, and has also authored a number of other books including Phenomenological Psychology: Theory, Research and Method (Pearson Education). He is currently co-editing the new journal Psychology & Sexuality.