Social Structure or Natural Phenomenon?:
Comparisons of Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships Throughout popular culture and media, monogamy is overrun by a number of contradictions. Western cultures typically view monogamy as natural and consistent (Conley, Ziegler, Moors, Matsick, & Valentine, 2012). However, when examining the history of monogamy, it is clear that it is a relatively recent social construct. When examining cultures from around the world, monogamy is not as pervasive as we tend to think (Ryan & Jetha, 2010). The Bible is often said to be in support of monogamy, and deviance from this is often viewed as sinful. Yet in many instances, the Bible actually promotes non-monogamy: for example, Abraham and David’s multiple …show more content…
Furthermore, the study found that relationships other than monogamous relationships are much more common and may be the preferred sexual relationship in humans. This study also concluded that most cultures are in fact non-monogamous (Schmitt, 2005). Consensual non-monogamous relationships in humans are typically classified in one of three categories: swinging (engaging in extradyadic sex with the other partner also in attendance), polyamory (engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with more than one partner), and open relationships (in which each partner independently pursues sexual relationships with another sexual partner) (Jenks, 1998; Klesse, 2006). Although non-monogamy is typically thought to be sexual in nature, it is important to note that there are different types of non-monogamy in human relationships. Sexual non-monogamy involves engaging in sexual activity with someone other than a primary partner. Sexual activity can include oral or anal sex, sexual intercourse, or other sexual activities. Romantic non-monogamy includes pair-bonding and emotional disclosure to another person similar to that which is done in a romantic …show more content…
Although there are no studies that have investigated the potential link between relationship satisfaction and structure of romantic relationships, there have been a number of studies examining open relationships among gay men. Research of relationship satisfaction and consensually non-monogamous relationships in gay men is ideal because of the high acceptance of such relationships in gay male communities (Hickson et al., 1992). Gay men engaging in consensually non-monogamous relationships report higher levels of relationship satisfaction relative to those in monogamous relationships (Kurdek, 1988).
Disadvantages
One potential drawback to non-monogamous relationships involves sexual health. By engaging in non-monogamous sexual relationships, there is a risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections to other sexual partners. A second potential drawback to non-monogamous relationships involves the possibility of partnerships dissolving and impacting children. Furthermore, the potential lack of stability may negatively impact children of non-monogamous couples. In addition, non-monogamous relationships are often considered to be morally wrong according to popular world religions. Because monogamy is unsupported by these religions, monogamy may be the only supported relationship lifestyle choice if
Comparisons of Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships Throughout popular culture and media, monogamy is overrun by a number of contradictions. Western cultures typically view monogamy as natural and consistent (Conley, Ziegler, Moors, Matsick, & Valentine, 2012). However, when examining the history of monogamy, it is clear that it is a relatively recent social construct. When examining cultures from around the world, monogamy is not as pervasive as we tend to think (Ryan & Jetha, 2010). The Bible is often said to be in support of monogamy, and deviance from this is often viewed as sinful. Yet in many instances, the Bible actually promotes non-monogamy: for example, Abraham and David’s multiple …show more content…
Furthermore, the study found that relationships other than monogamous relationships are much more common and may be the preferred sexual relationship in humans. This study also concluded that most cultures are in fact non-monogamous (Schmitt, 2005). Consensual non-monogamous relationships in humans are typically classified in one of three categories: swinging (engaging in extradyadic sex with the other partner also in attendance), polyamory (engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with more than one partner), and open relationships (in which each partner independently pursues sexual relationships with another sexual partner) (Jenks, 1998; Klesse, 2006). Although non-monogamy is typically thought to be sexual in nature, it is important to note that there are different types of non-monogamy in human relationships. Sexual non-monogamy involves engaging in sexual activity with someone other than a primary partner. Sexual activity can include oral or anal sex, sexual intercourse, or other sexual activities. Romantic non-monogamy includes pair-bonding and emotional disclosure to another person similar to that which is done in a romantic …show more content…
Although there are no studies that have investigated the potential link between relationship satisfaction and structure of romantic relationships, there have been a number of studies examining open relationships among gay men. Research of relationship satisfaction and consensually non-monogamous relationships in gay men is ideal because of the high acceptance of such relationships in gay male communities (Hickson et al., 1992). Gay men engaging in consensually non-monogamous relationships report higher levels of relationship satisfaction relative to those in monogamous relationships (Kurdek, 1988).
Disadvantages
One potential drawback to non-monogamous relationships involves sexual health. By engaging in non-monogamous sexual relationships, there is a risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections to other sexual partners. A second potential drawback to non-monogamous relationships involves the possibility of partnerships dissolving and impacting children. Furthermore, the potential lack of stability may negatively impact children of non-monogamous couples. In addition, non-monogamous relationships are often considered to be morally wrong according to popular world religions. Because monogamy is unsupported by these religions, monogamy may be the only supported relationship lifestyle choice if