Final answer:
Polyamory refers to having consensual, romantic relationships with more than one person at a time, differing from polygamy, which involves marriage to multiple partners. There's no typical person who initiates or leaves such relationships, as decisions are based on individual circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polyamory is a term often used to describe a form of non-monogamy where individuals have consensual, romantic relationships with more than one person at a time. This is distinct from polygamy, which is the socially sanctioned union of more than two adults at the same time, such as in the form of polygyny, where one man is married to multiple women, or polyandry, where one woman is married to multiple men. While polyamory is about maintaining multiple romantic relationships, polygamy relates to marriage, typically recognized by a society or a culture.
In the context of who starts the idea of polyamory or polygamy, or who is first to back out, it's important to understand that these situations can vary widely based on individual circumstances and societal norms. There is no single demographic or gender typically responsible for initiating or backing out of these arrangements. Decisions to enter or leave such relationships are highly personal and depend on the dynamics and agreements within the relationship.
In the United States, polygamy is illegal, and culturally, monogamy is the most widely accepted and practiced form of marriage. However, various cultures and societies around the world recognize and practice different marriage customs, including various forms of polygamy and monogamous arrangements.