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Non-normative relationships: is there a norm of (non)normativity?

Article Excerpt
The call for papers for this special issue of the Western Journal of Communication requested manuscripts on 'non-normative relationships.' Specifically, relational contexts potentially appropriate for the special issue included, but were not limited to, long-distance relationships, online relationships, parent-adult child relationships, single parent and stepfamily relationships, interracial relationships, sexually diverse relationships, and other relationship types that are significant yet under-studied.

Whether implicitly or explicitly, what the call for papers suggests is that 'non-normative relationships' are somehow akin to or aligned with 'under-studied relationships.' A paucity of research exists in the communication literature under the banner of 'under-studied relationships.' Wood and Duck (1995), however, provided an edited volume on 'under-studied relationships' a decade ago. Their text examined a variety of relationship types that were argued as under-studied at the time. Under-studied relationship types that are showcased in the Wood and Duck text include long-lasting marriages, intercultural relationships, gay and lesbian relationships, working relationships and friendships, cohabiting relationships, long-distance relationships, and online relationships. Even less exists in the extant communication literature under the banner of 'non-normative relationships.'

What became clear to me, and I suspect to the submitting authors and reviewers for this special issue, is that how one views what constitutes a 'non-normative' relationship lies in the eye of the beholder. During the journey of bringing this special issue to fruition, it became increasingly apparent that what one submitting author would perceive as 'non-normative' would be seen as 'normative' by a reviewer. And whereas some...