Exploring relational preferences among young people: from monogamy to ethical non-monogamous relationships

Social and cultural changes in recent decades have significantly influenced young people's attitudes towards intimate relationships, leading to a diversification of relationship preferences. Based on existing literature and recent empirical data, our analysis attempts to highlight the reasons that lead young people to choose alternative relationship patterns. At the same time, cultural and social influences such as access to information through digital media, the desire for authenticity, personal autonomy, and changing perceptions of intimacy are emphasised. The present research aims to examine the diversity of relationship preferences among young people, to explore the challenges associated with the adoption of ethical consensual non-monogamous relationships, social stigmatisation, as well as the redefinition of relationship norms in a society undergoing continuous change.