A qualitative exploratory study of consensual non-monogamy: sexual scripts, stratifications and charmed circles

Consensual non-monogamy is a specific subculture that includes swingers, persons in open relationships and those who are polyamorous. While most previous studies have sought to either detail the subcultural norms for these groups or assess their risks for sexually transmitted infections, we aimed to better understand the narratives of persons who engage in consensual non-monogamy. Our goal was to understand the structure and nature of their reported lifestyles, and to better understand these theoretically. To do this, we interviewed 14 persons (7 males, 7 females), and analysed their data thematically. We then discussed these findings using the works of Deleuze & Guattari and Gayle Rubin. Our analysis and discussion identified that consensual non-monogamy could be described as a series of Deleuzian becomings that were nevertheless stratified, and which aligned but differed from what Rubin called the charmed circle of sexuality.