New Religions and the Mediation of Non-Monogamy: Polyamory, Polygamy, and Reality Television

New Religions and the Mediation of Non-Monogamy explores the relationship between alternative American religions and the media representation of non-monogamies on reality-TV shows, highlighting differences in socioeconomic privileges and the polyamory movement's support from liberal media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

New Religions and the Mediation of Non-Monogamy delves into the intricate interplay between alternative American religions and the portrayal of non-monogamy in reality-TV shows such as Sister Wives, Seeking Sister Wife, and Polyamory: Married & Dating. This comprehensive study is the first of its kind, drawing upon extensive fieldwork with Mormon polygamists and LGBTQ Neo-Pagan/Neo-Tantric polyamorists. Through meticulous fieldwork and in-depth interviews, the book explores the responses of community members to the new media representations of themselves, their engagement with television and other forms of media, and the accuracy of these representations in reflecting actual populations.

The book sheds light on the distinct socioeconomic privileges that shape the lives of Mormon polygamists and LGBTQ polyamorists, highlighting the varying contexts in which they operate. It also underscores the supportive role played by liberal media in fostering the polyamory movement, as reality TV has transformed the public perception of Mormon polygamy into one that aligns with liberal American middle-class culture. Consequently, Mormon polygamists have experienced a rise in public favor.

However, the mediation of non-monogamy extends beyond these alternative religious populations. It is influenced by the norms and practices of the reality-TV industry, as well as by sociocultural and economic realities, including factors such as race and class. This book contributes significantly to the fields of media studies, critical race and gender studies, new religious movements, and queer studies, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of media representation, religious practices, and societal attitudes toward non-monogamy.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032051673