Everyone knows sex is a natural part of life, but what if we
told you sex with multiple people was the way Mother Nature
intended it to be?
Most mammals are not monogamous. In fact, studies show that
less than five percent of approximately 5,000 species are known to
be monogamous. Geese form lifelong bonds with their
mates. If one dies, the other will never mate again.
Chimpanzees, on the other hand, will mate with many, often
involving a large male to female ratio during one romantic
romp. Humans fall somewhere in the middle.
Love is strong, but the call of nature - which encourages us to
broadcast our genes - is stronger. It is estimated that 30 to
60 percent of married individuals in the United States will engage
in infidelity
at some point.
If monogamy isn't 'natural', why do we vow "till death do us
part"? Psychologists say the committed partnership evolved
for the well-being of children.
Society has developed ways to encourage monogamy, and some of those
ways are not subtle. Some cultures strongly and publicly
punish cheaters, and segregate men and women in social
situations.
But there are and always have been compromises. Some husbands
cheat, but return home in time to tuck in the kids. This type
of arrangement is known as social monogamy. Polygamy still
exists in isolated communities, and some cultures even accept
infidelity.
Monogamy will continue to be a matter of choice, not a matter of
survival. But sticking with one partner may help entire
families survive. 17 percent of divorces
are the result of infidelity, and resentment toward the cheater can
come from kids and extended family members. This, coupled
with the ever-present risk of sexually
transmitted diseases, makes a compelling argument to go against
nature and keep things monogamous.
Are women really more monogamous than men? Do open
relationships work? Find out from author and sex expert
Eleanor McKenzie:
http://www.videojug.com/interview/sexual-politics-2
