Plurality

Plurality is the state of having multiple headmates collectively sharing a single body. A group of headmates is called a system. Plural experiences are extremely diverse, and systems may vary in their origin, functions, distinction between members, member count, and internal communication. 
Headmates are generally assumed to have their own unique personality. They often have their own names, pronouns, goals, and preferences. Some systems may prefer to be addressed collectively, while members of others may prefer to be treated as more separate individuals. 
Some plurals have an inner world, which may offer any number of mechanisms, interactions, and experiences. 
The term was introduced as early as 2001.https://web.archive.org/web/20060716045000/http://www.ringsurf.com/netring?ring=plural;action=listhttps://web.archive.org/web/20010405015636/http://disenchantedforest.com/
==Plural Spectrum==
Plurality is sometimes used to describe experiences along a spectrum of being multiple, with varying distinction between members. This extends from being singlet to being multiple, with median (also midcontinuum) covering the spaces in between, In this case, plural refers to any experience that is not "fully" singlet, with multiple referring to the part of the spectrum that includes several distinct headmates.https://www.astraeasweb.net/plural/glossary.html#pluralhttps://sites.google.com/view/plural-terms/system-modifiers?authuser=0#h.w4d7jv8cqtfe Multiple systems do not necessarily experience stronger barriers or amnesia, though being multiple is often equated to being partitionary. 
For terms that refer to how distinct headmates are, see :Category:Headmate Separation. 
==Plurality and Systemhood==
Being plural is not always used synonymously to being (part of) a system. This may be due to a number of reasons, and may lead to someone adopting the label of plural non-system. For the purposes of this wiki, "system" is used as overarching catch-all for all plural collectives (see :Category:System Terms). 
== Causes ==
Plurality has many causes. This can include:
* Traumagenic systems, resulting from a traumatic event or post-traumatic stress.
* Systems created through tulpamancy or other explicit acts.
* Spiritual systems who chalk up their plurality to metaphysical reasons.
* Other causes, which can be grouped under the umbrella term endogenic.
* Mixed-origin systems, which have been created from a combination of causes.
== Symbols ==
The plural rings were created by Tracee of ouregaiya and/or Iris of Astraea in October 2011 and was spread through Email and Livejournal. https://lb-lee.dreamwidth.org/1009570.html
The ampersand was adopted by the community, and some systems prefer to be referred to as you& or similarly use ampersands in reference to themselves.
The treblesand was created anonymously and for the use of anyone under the plural umbrella. https://treblesand.dreamwidth.org/
== Related Terms ==
Multiplicity is a synonym of plurality, and are often used interchangeably. Plural is an umbrella term for all kinds of experiences as well — so much so that the wiki itself is named using it. Comparatively, a singlet refers to someone who is not plural. Not to be confused with singletsona. 
A member of a plural collective may be called a headmate, system member, or pluran. 
==History== 
The term "multiplicity" has been used in psychiatric context since at least 1982Kluft, R. (1982) Varieties of Hypnotic Interventions in the Treatment of Multiple Personality, together with "multiple personality". The terms "double consciousness", "vigilambulism" (or daytime somnambulism), and "plural states of being" present earlier descriptors of the concept in psychological circles. Binet, A. (1892) Alterations of Personality
== External Links ==
* https://morethanone.info
* http://healthymultiplicity.com/#i
* https://powertotheplurals.com/
Category:Common Terms