Serial monogamy - meaning and definition
Alsoserial monogamistserial monogamistsone relationship after another
Definition
A pattern of having a series of monogamous relationships, one after another, rather than several at the same time.
At a glance
- One exclusive relationship at a time, one after another over a lifetime.
- It describes a very common pattern where monogamy is the norm.
- As a descriptive term it carries no judgement.
- It is sometimes used playfully about someone who moves quickly between relationships.
In detail
Serial monogamy describes the life course of many people in societies where monogamy is the norm: they commit to one partner at a time, and when a relationship ends they may later begin another exclusive one.
The phrase is sometimes used playfully about someone who moves quickly from one relationship to the next. As a descriptive term it carries no judgement; it simply notes that exclusivity is practised in sequence rather than for a whole lifetime.
In a sentence
- I'm a classic serial monogamist: I've never been single for long, but I've only ever dated one person at a time.
- Sociologists say serial monogamy is the most common pattern in many countries today.
Common questions
Is serial monogamy a bad thing?
No. It simply describes having exclusive relationships in sequence. People sometimes use it jokingly about quick rebounds, but the pattern itself says nothing about whether those relationships were healthy.