Serial monogamy refers to which of the following?

• A. Having multiple partners at the same time.
• B. Monogamy for life with one partner.
• C. Having relationships with non-married individuals only.
• D. The practice of engaging in a succession of monogamous relationships, one partner at a time.

Answer: (D)

Serial monogamy means having a sequence of exclusive relationships, one after another. Each relationship is monogamous, but you move from one partner to the next rather than staying with the same person for life or having several partners at the same time. This pattern shows up in societies where divorce and remarriage are common, so people form new exclusive partnerships after each relationship ends.

The option that describes a succession of monogamous relationships, one partner at a time, is the best fit because it captures both the exclusivity within each relationship and the lack of overlap between partners. The idea of having multiple partners at the same time would be polyamory, not serial monogamy. Lifelong monogamy describes staying with one partner for life, not a series of relationships. And focusing on relationships with non-married individuals only isn’t what the term defines.