Abstract
Although many people think polyamorous intentional communities involve non-stop orgies full of queer, feminist radicals, these communities are not always as revolutionary or deviant as people assume. In this podcast, we discuss two intentional communities within the first (1850s-1900) and second waves (1960s-1990s) of the polyamory movement as case studies of how polyamorous communities support heteropatriarchal norms. We will specifically focus on the complex marriage and sexual practices of the Oneida community in comparison to polyfidelity at the Kerista Commune. Despite the fact that these communities were radical because they challenged traditional monogamy, the structure of these communities failed to undermine dominant patriarchal norms and encouraged heterosexual couplings that resembled monogamy in many ways.
Bios
Erin Rosenfeld
Erin (she/they) is a fourth year psychology major at Grinnell College. They live on Vegan Floor and are involved with disability & vegan activism around campus! They’re looking forward to graduation in a few months and being able to actually put their education into action.
John Stookey
John (he/him) is a second-year history major at Grinnell College. He’s a member of the college’s Quiz Bowl team. He hopes to declare a second Chinese major soon and is considering becoming an immigration lawyer.
Annette Mokua
Annette (she/her) is a fourth year economics major at Grinnell College. She is a peer educator at Sexual Health and Information Center (SHIC) and a member of the African Caribbean Student Union (ACSU). She looks forward to going back to Kenya after she graduates.
Patriarchy in Polyamory – Listen Here!
Credits
Thanks to Professor Lewis and Gina Donovan with all their help throughout the podcasting process, and to our interviewees for speaking to us about polyamory. Credits to texasradiofish for their song “Winter Fusion.”
Bibliography
Primary Sources
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