Are humans a monogamous species?

Question

Were humans meant to pair up for life?
Some animals like penguins and king fishers do.
But most animals that are similar to humans such as apes and monkeys do not have monogomous relationships.
Where do we fall?

Answer 1

I've read that species in which the males are larger than the females are polygynous (like lions: family groups consist of one adult male with multiple adult females and the young children). The males compete with each other to limit the number of males that get to mate. So the dominant males build family groups, and the not-so-lucky males live in all-male groups or alone.

Human males are generally larger than females, and they do a lot of competing with each other and form hierarchies among themselves. They band together in teams (gangs, corporations, governments) and pit themselves against other teams (gangs, corporations, governments) to establish dominance. So I think we're probably a little more polygynous than monogamous, as a species.

Short of rape, though, women do more choosing than men do in the dating/mating process. And a woman who wants monogamy never has to accept a man who doesn't. So cultural, social, and personal factors all have a heavy influence on our overall behavior.

And, it goes without saying, any particular individual may be quite different in their proclivities than the species tends to be overall.

Here's an enjoyable book on parallels between the behavior of humans and other animals: Divorce Among the Gulls, by William Jordan.

One more thing: most creatures don't live terribly long after their reproductive years have ended. The human lifespan now extends well past the reproductive years, and it's reasonable to suppose that the rules governing sexual behavior in youth don't have the same influence later in life.

Answer 2

To be perfectly honest, I don't think so. Just look at the divorce rates and number of men and women cheating on one another. Marriage is an institution created by men to make women their property. For the longest time women were stuck in their marriage because they were oppressed and not allowed to work. They were treated disrespectfully and like children. However, now that it is not such a taboo to get divorced more women are opting out.
I'm betting that soon marriage will be a thing of the past now that women can take care of themselves and their offspring without the help of men. I mean, why does any woman want to enter into a life of domestic servitude? They may not admit it, but that is what they are. Even if a woman works outside the house, she is still expected to do all the domestic chores assigned her sex.

Answer 3

Many species have comparable "better half for all times" concepts. this would not quit them from breeding with companions they locate to have suited characteristics (while they already have a greater physically powerful half).

Answer 4

good question - i truely believe we are not meant to mate with one partner for life. there is too much evidence against it.
years ago people stayed together because of social stigmas towards divorce but now it is accepted, you will meet more 60 year old divorcees than you will meet happily married 60 year olds. happy ever after is only ever said at the end of fairy stories.

Answer 5

I think so, too
It just makes since for us to be paired with someone, rather than do what the monkeys do

Answer 6

Were we meant to be paired up...yes. You know the "no sex before marriage", saving yourself for that "special someone", and death do you part. I take all of that to mean we were suppose to have one and only one partner for life.

Answer 7

I think so.

That is why we fall in loooooove

Answer 8

not at all--thats a man made idea--they screwed themselves!