Metaconsent

Updated: DECEMBER 14, 2020

Metaconsent is also referred to as consensual non-consent. It pertains to the assumption that consent has been waived. This stems from previous consent or a current relationship, such as the relationship between married couples or master and slave. Metaconsent often happens without forward knowledge or planning. It is often perceived as a show of great trust between partners in a relationship.

More About Metaconsent

Metaconsent can lead to misreadings and misunderstandings. At worse, it can lead to the physical and emotional abuse of the less powerful parties within the relationship. Sex and other acts shared between two or more people need verbalized consent. The consenting parties also have to be capable and of sound mind and body.