Debbie Barry

More Than Just Monogamy Debbie Barry

"More than just Monogamy" takes a serious look at traditional marriage forms in a variety of modern world cultures. Readers will discover that lifetime monogamy - or even serial monogamy - may not be the one true path for a lot of individuals and families throughout the world. Readers are afforded a different view of love, relationships, responsibility, and family than they may have experienced in their own lives. This book was my final research paper for Freshman Composition and Analysis, in 2009, at Olney Central College, in Olney, Illinois. My professor was a truly delightful woman named Kelly Payne, who went out of her way to make sure that any student willing to learn would learn, and any student willing to put in the work needed to excel would excel. She challenged her students to be their best, and to do their best, and she did not accept half-measures. This assignment was simple in concept, but not in execution. It was to choose a topic that would be considered controversial, with some restrictions to avoid over-used topics, and to research the topic. The research would inform the thesis, rather than conforming to a pre-conceived thesis. The final paper would be at least ten pages long, if I remember correctly, and would references at least ten sources, again trusting to my memory for the number. With the required MLA formatting, my final paper was 30 pages, with five pages of end notes, and four pages of works cited. I have written many papers since completing this assignment, but this remains my favorite work. Although my personal religious views make me a firm monogamist, exploring the various polygamist cultures that still exist and succeed in the world was a fascinating experience. I am pleased to offer this alternative world-view to my readers.