Genetically programmed to cheat???

Question

I have heard men say that they are genetically programmed to seek multiple partners, therefore monogamy is nearly impossible for them. Ok, playing along with that theory...Women are genetically programmed to seek out the alpha male, the biggest, strongest, most attractive, and best provider. Wouldn't it stand to reason that if we are "slaves to our genetics", that alot of men would be out of luck as far as getting women? Also, aren't we at least a couple of steps above the average animal so we should be able to control our "primitive urges" to sleep with whatever is available? I hope to hear some intelligent, not mean or spiteful, thoughts on this.

I honestly have heard men make this comment, I know not all men cheat, but just wanted to hear your thoughts.

Answer 1

Slaves to our genetics? No I don't think that's the case. If it were a simple matter of genetc code determining our every move, then we would always do certain things all the time. Our primal selves would ultimatly take over when genetics told it to. When someone says it's what men are programmed to do biologically, they are really saying they are to weak minded to fight the urge to sleep with anything with a warm hole.

The thing that makes us special creatures on this planet is our ability to choose. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, then making a decision. A decision that is based on facts and assumptions not primal urge.

If we all followed what code told us then Kid Rock never would have gotten married to Pam Anderson. However we live in world where choice reigns supreme not instinct or primal urge.

That being said there is some part of every man that wants a hot young nubile virginal sexy woman. Women want a buff hot young stud to rock their world. This is called attraction. You look your best during your prime mating periods. 18-40, after that things start going downhill. You can delay the inevitable with hard work eating right, plastic surgery but the end result will be the same. Your looks will fade and your primal nature will then be protecting the family and all that stuff.

The end of this little rant is this.

People make Choices to cheat. They have a primal attraction to whoever does it for them. But to think that your genetics cause infidelity is a cop out for the weak of mind and weak of heart.

Answer 2

Theres truth to your statement. I've heard that men are genetically programmed to seek multiple partners. Then, as we became more civilized, it became proper for men to take one partner and eventually marry. It became the accepted norm for society...and of course, with religion, it became widely accepted. However, that doesn't give a man a reason to cheat on his girlfriend or wife...We've been civilized for quite some time so I would believe that these primitive instincts should be long gone. We instinctively do certain things, however, I don't believe the multiple partners is something we should engage in and then blame our genetics. For some weak minded men, it could be somewhat of an argument, however, for the educated, well being, and decent men of 2006, it should be treated as nothing more than folklore. After all, the dog in the street runs wild...I see no reason why in the 21st century, man feels the need to run the streets and then expect to be respected and then call himself intelligent and educated. Its amazing how the custom of marriage happened, however, it did. Whether we agree or not, monogamy is what is the accepted way of life. Whether we marry or live with one person...monogamy has been proven to work and satisfy men and the needs of women to nurture and to raise a loving and healthy family.

Answer 3

Yes, we have grown above your more base genetic programming. Men, and yes women will make this argument to give them an excuse to be a little less than monogamous. In our ancient history men would have sex with as many women as possible, to ensure their genetic code would have the best chance at survival. Women on the other hand would have sex with as many men as she could, thereby making sure that none knew who the true father was and would ensure that she and the child would be taken care of. But all of this is well within our past. As tot he issue of monogamy, some people are better at it than others *shrug* wether it is genetic coding or just impulse control or whatever. Some men are happy with one woman, some men want more than one woman for whatever reason. Some women are happy with one man, some women want more than one man, again for whatever reason. Then you get into the truly bisexual people who would never be happy in a purely monogamous relationship. Though we have, for lack of a better word, evolved beyond our original programming, it is the diversity of people and their desires which make the world a wonderful and very interesting place.


Just my 2 cents worth

Answer 4

Both men and women have to understand that they will always be attracted to others. I am a married man and I am attracted to most beautiful women. The difference is that I do not put myself in situations that will allow me to give in to that great temptation. If I find that an attractive woman is attracted to me, I stay away. I do not have drinks and talk to women who I am attracted to. Many people try to deny that they have these attractions just because they are married/engaged/whatever. However, it only takes the right time, place, and opportunity with temptation to do things that you normally would not do(cheat).

Answer 5

Some persons women as well as men are victims of circumstances and it can effect their moral behavior but to go as far as blaming it on genetics...I don't think so...its ultimately by choice...and those who point the finger at genetics are those who would point the finger toward anything else but themselves...its called being untrustworthy..it may be in their learned character but not from their born genetics...LOL.

Answer 6

It is totally NOT BS. We like to think of ourselves as something more imortant than we actually are. At our base level we are animals. With the purpose to procreate our species. That is why a large percentage of men will cheat. Be we have evolved somewhat in that some men are able to be monogamous. But we are still animals.

Answer 7

You have a very good point here,this theory is very true,for I have been a witness to few similar cases in my life.
Friends of mine (from both sides males and females)have fallen into this trap,and went for an adventure - even though they were in love with their partners - and the terrible result was that,most of them have lost their "BOTH" partners,and one of them even went as far as taking his own life,and committed suicide.
For what ?? was it worth it ?? All of us - his friends - we keep asking ourselves those questions since he died.
Henceforth,and coming back to your question,yes, I do agree that both Males and Females are genetically programmed to seek multiple partners.

Answer 8

I think if a man has been raised by a good and loving family, and if he knows the difference between right and wrong, and sticks to his morals - he will not cheat. Of course there is always going to be temptation, the trick is to trust people and hope they live up to that trust.

Answer 9

That is BS. Men cheat because they become bored, cannot obtain a sexual desire from their wife, or want change. genetics has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Answer 10

I think that argument is an excuse for making self centered choices.Let's face it...it is all about choice. As you stated, we are supposed to have some kind of intellect enabling us to practice self control.