Are human beings genetically monogamous?

Question

The question is not "Can a man and woman be monogamous" because that happens all the time. The true question is whether or not mankind is even supposed to be monogamous. Are we built to stay with one partner sexually forever or our instincts to procreate a clue to our original design? The whole notion of a soulmate and one lover forever is a romantic and beautiful concept but is it based on reality and science? Isn't it a conscious decision to remain faithful? Doesn't EVERYONE at some point and time fantasize about being with another person even when they are involved in an otherwise healthy and loving relationship? Why does that happen if we are truly monogamous beings?

Answer 1

I believe as humans we are biologically engendered to search for companionship. Some people find a person that they are compatible with (sexually, mentally, emotionally, personality wise, etc.) early on in life and others go through a few people to find that ONE. But i believe in the end we are made to procreate and spend our lives with one person. If he or she dies, we long for another companion. This does not mean we are not monogamous. It just means we will be monogamous to another person in the event we lost our husband / wife

But humans actions are not based solely on their biological make up. Our environments have as much potential to affect our personalities as our genetics do. Nature verses Nurture? Some men or women might have been raised in environments where they never grew up seeing their mother and/or father be monogamous with one partner. So they may only be following the cycle that way laid out for them by their parents.

Answer 2

are you kidding
in all cultures especially ancient ones all men had several or more wives depending or their wealth
it is only recent Christianity who tries to impose this monogamous idea
I know several African guys who have more than one wife
and in Arabia it is only recently that men are sticking to one wife
and not all men

in Nature it is also a rare occurrence,such as wolves
and humanity is having a lot of problems with it
judging by the number of divorces,and the number of men playing around outside their marriage
the multiple wife philosophy is far better
older and uglier wives do not get discarded ,but remain respected within the family structure ,if hubby decides to take a younger fresher partner.

in Monogamous deals ,a change of sexual mate results in
the family being broken up ,wives end up in the street and children are affected,a much worse system all round

Answer 3

It is a Behavior modifications enforced by Culture. Biologically, If men went solely by instinct and drive to reproduce, we tend to think, quantity to insure survival of the species. Women, under the same directive aim at quality, choosing the best available mate to insure the same thing.

Answer 4

I don't exactly know, but this is what i can summarize from one of Evolutionary Psychology research:

When hominid (human) started to walk with two pedals instead of four, their internal organs are at risk of litterally falling inside out. Hence the hole in their tailbone grew smaller. Hence pregnancy and giving birth came with a death-risk for females. Hence females are more relunctant to engange sexual behavior than males (contrast to other mammals). Hence males felt deprived and became more sexually aggressive, and promiscuous too (contrast to other mammals). Hence females proposed a set of rules of engagement. Hence human species recognized marriage institution.

(my comment again: but i think this explanation disregards the evolution of human emotion)

Answer 5

I don't know about genetically monogamous, but i doubt it. Swans and geese are monogamous and if one partner dies, they don't find amnother mate, they just grieve til they die. Exceptions have been found if the separation is in the first year or so.

Answer 6

Nope, its not a genetic thing. Its more to do with the fact that we are barely able to cope with the responsibilities of a 2 way relationship, never mind 3 or more.

Answer 7

Monogamy is more of a religious and social construct than a genetic trait - one reason the laws of marriage (no premarital sex, one exclusive partner) were pushed so heaviy was to make birth and tax records more accurate.

Answer 8

I don't really think there is an answer to that question. You can argue for humans' animalistic nature, but then you can also argue that it's part of what separates us from the animals.

So - it depends on who you ask.

Answer 9

through your time living people come & go out of your life , because they are only ment to be in your life for that season.life is all about learning & experiencing new things to help you become a better person.

Answer 10

Men need to spread their seed.