2021/06/30 by Francesca Miccoli, Miccoli, Francesca
Social Sciences · #Family and Matrimonial Law #Marriage and Family Dynamics #Marriage and Sexual Relationships
paper · doi:10.13131/2611-657x.whatever.v4i1.112
openalex publication_date 2021/06/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
This paper aims to analyse legal recognition of polyamorous relationships and to examine the main obstacles to its feasibility in the short run. Preliminarily, I shall make a few notes on the state of the art in the matter of polyamory, discuss relevant terminology issues, and enumerate some of the main features of polyamorous relationships with a view to framing the debate on their legal recognition. Polyamorous relationships are then contextualized in the light of the radical changes which the traditional family has undergone since the second half of the 20th century. It is my claim that polyamorous relationships can be considered only the latest stage in that process of transformation, and that they will enjoy legal recognition at a sooner or later date. However, I shall acknowledge that this will probably not occur in the short term, and I shall analyse the main reasons why. My concluding argument is, nevertheless, that legal recognition of such relationships may be hailed as desirable.