Is monogamy possible?

Question

In the animal kingdom, there are animals that mate for life like wolves and then there are animals that "sleep around" like lions.

Humans are just intelligent animals, so I ask, do you think that human beings are monogamous by nature, or promiscuous?

Christians, Atheists, Muslims, Pagans, anybody can answer this, I'm interested in seeing what everybody has to say, but please don't quote your religious text to me as "proof" for why you believe the way you do, I'd like to see it in your own words.

Answer 1

Psychological studies have shown that generally speaking, human males are geared for non-monogamous behavior and human females are more monogamy-oriented. It seems to have a lot to do with resource allocation in the event of a pregnancy.

I think some people (of either sex) are wired for monogamy and happy being monogamous. Others aren't happy unless they're playing the field. It's personal preference, and as long as no one is harmed as a result of their actions, people can do what they like as far as I'm concerned.

Answer 2

Actually, even within the Great Apes, some apes are completely monogamous and others are completely promiscuous. And oddly enough, the promiscuous ones are really mellow and don't get excited, while the monogamous ones tend to fight all the time. The promiscuous ones also have massive balls while the monogamous ones have tiny little testes. The mellow ones let the sperm do the fighting...

To answer your question, human fall smack in the middle. Obviously, we also have the most to win and lose, in either case, making the question far more than biological. Obviously some people are very comfortable being monogamous, while others don't have a chance in hell.

Answer 3

I don't believe that we are "just intelligent animals".

I believe that we are created for monogamy. And I believe it is also entirely possible. My husband and I are a proof - as were my parents and a few other married couples I know :)

(also, while wolves do choose a mate and remain with her for life, they will also mate with other females and help them raise the families they start though will not necessarily remain with them for life. Once their alpha female dies, they will take another - often one of their previous "concubines". Penguines are also touted as monogamous but the truth is they are only "serial monogamists" - remaining with their chosen mate for one mating season and usually having a different mate for the next mating season, etc. However, monogamy among raptors is very common, with the bald eagle being a very well-known example, and some species of vultures being so serious about it that infidelity results in harrassment by the mate as well as other birds in the group. Gotta love that lol).

Answer 4

The key word in your question is "intelligent" (animal). We may be classified as mammals but because of our intelligence, we should be a step above the other animals.

And most of us are. With more reasoning capabilities and bigger brains we should be able to figure out some things that animals can't. For instance, we should be able to see clearly that cheating on our mate causes hurt, pain, and will eventually be the cause of the end of a relationship.

So, Yes! I believe monogamy is possible for humans! After all, if wolves can do it, why can't we! ... Blessings!

Answer 5

I think women are naturally monogamous, I think men are naturally promiscuous. It's just the way our biology works. Reproduction is, in terms of energy expended, ridiculously easy for men. Throw in the fact that we're social animals and the opportunities for foolin' around are constant. Given the chance I could impregnate a handful of women EVERY SINGLE DAY! And then I'm gone! Chances are a couple of them would survive to adulthood and pass on my genes. So the best bet for me is to sleep with as many women as possible. Oh, but the women have something to say about that. Biology has played a cruel joke, making them slow, sickly, and generally feeble for 9 months. Then they have to raise the child until it can take care of itself, which is quite a few years. So the smart thing for a woman to do is latch onto a man and keep him by her side to provide. Is this PC? Obviously not, I'm approaching this question from the viewpoint of evolutionary biology. But men want women who can have babies. Young, perky, big boobed girls with child bearing hips that can give birth to healthy babes. Hit one of those and then find another, that's the most efficient way. Women want providers. Men who will ward off the hyenas when they're slow with child and can bring back enough meat to raise the child big and strong. Those are our instincts, that's the way we evolved. When it comes to religion, monotheistic religions evolved in moderately communal agrarian communities where monogamy was the easiest way to keep feuding to a minimum. It was good for the group. But watch, men have always been hound dogs. Not even the threat of damnation is sure to work.

Answer 6

Yes it is possible to be, but, I think, the majority are not. Sure once married most people are monogamous, but before marriage many many people have sexual relations with different partners. We are able to make choices, and we do make choices so we can chose to be monogamous or not. Being that we are also sexual creatures and now have pretty reliable birth
control available monogamy is less likely. I am an atheist and know people who have been both.

Answer 7

It is impossible for a man to love his wife wholeheartedly without loving all women somewhat. I suppose that the converse must be true of women--
monogamy is not a natural state-men have in them three types of sperm-one type fertilizes-one type blocks other sperm from reaching the egg-one type kills other sperm-if it was natural the would be no need for the three-i choose to be monogamous but that is my choice-if anything that is an unnatural choice but it is the one i prefer---enjoy the night---excellent question but will get you some of the silliest answers guaranteed----have fun

Answer 8

I don't know if we have a particular "natural" tendency on this issue, but I certainly believe that monogamy is possible among humans. We are not controlled by our natures. That is the point of free will. We may be tempted by our natures (such as the rush of hormones we tend to experience when facing an attractive person) but we are not controlled by them. People who blame their hormones simply refuse to take responsibility for their choices.

Answer 9

Yes monogamy is possible in humans. Being promiscuous is a choice. I know several people who have kept to their marriage vows and were virgins when they married. So yes monogamy can be accomplished.

Answer 10

I really would like to say yes,,

but attraction is a very powerful force and I am a pretty jaded fellow.

So,, I would have to say we are promiscuous by nature and monogamous by our humanity, thus in constant turmoil.