The Institute for 21st Century Relationships

Research Priorities

These are just a few of the issues that we believe are in need of substantial research.  The pioneering research of the 1970's and 1980's has not been followed up.  The breakthroughs of the last 30 years in evolutionary psychology, biology, anthropology, and sociology have not been applied to the subject of fostering successful alternative relationship styles.

For too long, much has been taken for granted without objective proof.  Furthermore, the social opprobrium for alternative relationships has shrouded their characteristics from public view, leaving them subject to continued suspicion and fear.  We believe the light of objective research into these matters will dispel much of this irrational fear and groundless suspicion.

In the future, we hope to be able to stimulate rigorous new research into these topics and similar areas.  We plan to offer incentives to researchers through prizes for outstanding research, possible grants to facilitate research, publishing a semi-annual journal in which research can be published, and conducting an annual interdisciplinary symposium where papers can be presented and findings discussed.


Basic Demographic Research

How many people among the general public in the United States are currently practicing alternative relationship lifestyles?

What are the geographic, economic, age, educational, sexual orientation, family number, and other demographic characteristics of these people?

What is the exact nature and duration of their participation in alternative relationships?


Public Opinion Research

What is the current state of public opinion with respect to alternative relationships?

What is the current state of public knowledge about alternative relationships?  Is there a measurable correlation between accurate knowledge and opinion?

Does public opinion vary along predictable demographic lines?  If so, what are the key demographic predictors?

What facts about alternative relationships are the most persuasive among the general public?  What myths are most damaging to public tolerance?


Sociology/Psychology Research

What are the characteristics of persons successfully living alternative relationships?  How (if at all) do they differ from the characteristics of those in successful conventional relationships?

What is the impact on children raised in the context of alternative relationships, if any?

How do important basic relationship skills such as communication, conflict resolution, etc. play out differently in alternative relationships?  Are there any lessons to be learned from the experiences of those in successful versus unsuccessful relationships, and how do the experiences of the individuals involved differ from those of persons in conventional relationships of the same kind?

What personality traits predispose individuals to seek out and participate in alternative relationships?  How do they differ (if at all) from those who choose conventional relationships?

What are the likely social consequences of a greater proportion of intimate relationships being cast along alternative lines?

What has been the history of communities espousing different forms of alternative relationships, and what can be learned from their successes and/or failures?


Legal/Political Research

What is the current legal climate affecting alternative relationships in the 50 states?  At the federal level?

What steps should those desiring to live alternative relationships take to protect the legal interests of the parties?

What is the legitimate and historical role of the state in sanctioning and regulating intimate conduct among consenting adults?


Anthropology Research

What does the latest research tell us about the nature of human desire for intimate relationships?

What is true and false about gender stereotypes and popular assumptions about "normal" relationship structures?

What can be learned from the overwhelming  majority of societies that live under different assumptions about the "normal" configuration of intimate relationships?  How can we best apply these lessons from non-industrialized societies to the highly structured world of modern western society?


Theology/Comparative Religion Research

What is the history of religious declarations with respect to the ideal form of intimate relationships?  Where have there been "watershed" changes in the theology of relationships, and what have been the precipitating causes of such changes?

Why are there significant differences between the doctrines of major religions on the subject of intimate relations, even when these religions sprang from a common root?

What exactly are the teachings of all major religions on the topic of intimate relationships, and what are their theological underpinnings?

What has been the influence of secular concerns on the religious pronouncements of the major western religions on the subject of intimate relationships?

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The Institute for 21st Century Relationships - The Foundation of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom