The proliferation of life choices and the resistance that follows

Abstract

Twenty-first century America has been characterized by a proliferation of choices about such fundamental aspects of life as marital status, parental status, and living arrangements. The option to pursue consensual nonmonogamy may be another such choice. When nonnormative ways of living first enter our cultural conversations, resistance and hostility often ensue. Not all stigmatized groups organize to pursue social change. Suggestions for more just laws and policies are offered. © 2012 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.