Do you think monogamy in the humans is innate, learned or something else entirely?

Answer 1

I've done alot of studying in the area of anthropology and if a scientific answer is what you're looking for, then I might have your answer. Monogamy is not an innate urge for human beings. Monogamy is a culturally learned mating system. In America and in most western cultures, monogamous relationships are the norm, but they arent the norm everywhere, and havent been for most of human existence. Many cultures adopt other forms of marriages and relationships such as polygamy (one male, many females), polyandry (one female, many males) and even polygyny (many males, and many females as a group). The type of relationships that we humans have depends alot on the type of environment, resource dispersion, and ultimately it comes down to reproductive success. Whichever pair-bonding model works best in a certain environment will produce the most healthy and successful offspring (our children) and thus will be the dominant form of marriage in a particular area. Its tough to see any reason for other forms of relationships in todays society. But if you take a look at early humans and their cultures, we're talking like thousands and thousands of years ago, you can see how the environment and the other factors I mentioned really played a part in this.

Even today though, I wouldnt call humans a monogamous species. Most humans dont meet one mate and then spend the rest of their lives with them. What modern humans do would more accurately be called 'serial monogamy'. We meet people, date them for a while, or even maybe marry someone. But this doesnt mean that we stay with them forever. An example of that would be current divorce rates. They are higher than they have ever been.

Anywho, I hope that my answer was helpful for you. Here's a link for some more information on the the subject, or you can check out any anthropology textbook.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mating_system

Have a great day! --Betty

Answer 2

No way do I think it is innate. Our culture steers us that way.Just looking at sexuality,and I'm observing my own urges and watching the ,oh, I don't know how to say it; the behavior of people when thet are communicating with the oppisite sex,I'm of the opinion that humans were not made to just have one relationship in this life.physicially or emotionally.
It isn't our nature.I think society adaped to monogamy simply to avoid confusion and how many people we have for Thanksgiving dinner and to limit the number of Christmas presents.And ,of course, incest, back yard,over the fence,"oh god, I can't live without you" romances and the like.
Now, on the other side of the coin is inscribed'Ya only go around once'.
What to do-----what to do.

Answer 3

well, considering that a LOT of marriages fail, people cheat on significant others, or even have multiple spouses, I would look at whether or not monogamy is forcing us to be something we're really not. So I don't think it's innate. I suppose we--at least some of us--are monoghamous simply because that's what society tells us to be.

Answer 4

I would have to say it's learned. Because of our imperfect nature, we are prone to sinful desires and must guard ourselves. Monogamy requires faithfulness to one's spouse, the institution of marriage, and God.

Answer 5

monogamy is a choice you make. you need a lot of will power to practice it.

Answer 6

It is not in the nature of animals to be monogomus, so it must be learned.

Answer 7

I think the answer is different for men versus women.