Relationship Anarchy: Occupy Intimacy! - Paperback

by Amanda Foy (Translator), Juan-Carlos Pérez-Cortés (Author)

One of the best-selling books on relationships in Europe during the last two years, studied and debated by consensual non-monogamy activists and polyamory discussion groups, has been translated and adapted here to bring to the English-speaking audience a less self-centered and more radical framework for sustainable interpersonal relations based on intense communication and free, conscientious commitments.

The proposal was born in Sweden in 2005, was developed over 15 years, and then this title was originally published in Spain in the spring of 2020. Since then, one edition after another has sold out (in 2023, the fifth Spanish edition will hit the bookstores), and translations into other languages and publishing projects in other countries have been released, showing that there was and still is a global need to know and understand alternative structures when it comes to relating to each other.

The most enthusiastic reception of this monograph has been in those communities already interested in these relational alternatives to the hegemonic monogamous system and groups more focused on lifestyle-politics activism of anti-patriarchal, anarchist and anti-capitalist inspiration. Reading sessions, analysis courses, seminars, and workshops of varied scopes, extensions, and approaches have been organized. Likewise, these topics have been collected in press articles, radio and TV programs, interviews, podcasts, and other digital and printed formats. This translation maintains most of the original content, adapting only the necessary contextual elements so that English-speaking readers can interpret the examples, references, comparisons, and anecdotes with greater familiarity.

The book's audience covers various profiles regarding age, gender, sexual orientation and preferences, geographical and socio-cultural origin, etc. One reason is that the work brings together both visions: political and relational. It historically structures the elements leading to the emergence of this framework, starting with the philosophical and political theoretical foundations, the freethought tradition, social developments, feminist, queer, sex-positive activisms, etc., while also addressing more personal aspects.

The feedback from readers suggests that this volume has inspired and helped them not to "feel like weirdos" and to have pride and confidence in their decisions and choices regarding relationships.

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This book provides vital new information about a form of intimate diversity accelerating rapidly in the twenty-first century. With an ideal balance of critique, intellectual sophistication, and accessibility, the work is sure to be of interest to scholars, students, and everyday practitioners of polyamory and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. It stands out as a very unique and important contribution.

Phillip L. Hammack, PhD. Professor, Director of the Sexual & Gender Diversity Lab.,

University of California, Santa Cruz. USA.

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This book makes a compelling and original argument for relationship anarchy. It uses a mix of examples to apply principles of anarchism to intimate relationships, highlighting the intensely political nature of our intimate lives and their potential as sites of social and cultural change.

Lizzie Seal, PhD. Professor, School of Law, Politics and Sociology,

University of Sussex. UK.

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In writing "Relationship Anarchy. Occupy Intimacy!" Pérez-Cortés presents a valuable and original definition of anarchy as a conceptual framework for reshaping, and providing an alternative to, the personal and social realms as they exist in the present.

Andrew Kolin, PhD. Professor, Department of Social Sciences,

Hilbert College, NY. USA.