Society on the whole is a monogamous society. Polygamy, Polyandry, swinging etc while prevalent are still a social minority. People are expected to maintain monogamous relationships and make monogamous commitments. Of course infidelities and such indiscretions exist, but the social core is geared towards monogamy. A person may move from one monogamous relationship to another - but that intrinsic desire for committed companionship remains.
Why is monogamy so emphasized in our society? Why are relationships evaluated in perceptions of love, commitment and long term sustainability? Society was not always monogamous. In fact in ancient times polyandrous relationships were prevalent amidst all global cultures. Why have we made that switch to monogamy? Is monogamy really for the better of society?
Biologically monogamy limits the breeding pool. It inhibits the betterment of the species by enhancing the gene pool. Darwinism and evolution is based on survival of the fittest. The species breeds indiscriminately and over time the species evolves as the better breeds and better of the gene pool sustains. Our social lifestyle is withholding our species from qualitatively propagating.
Socially does not the variety of experience help mankind broaden their perspectives on humanity. Monogamous social structure limits the social interaction of human beings to certain norms and conditions. Opening oneself to experiences beyond these norms are frowned upon. Are we limiting ourselves to grow as a person socially through varied interpersonal relationship experiences. Also without monogamy a person is never bound or codependent on one other person. They retain their individuality. A person also is able to fulfill various needs from different people, and interacting with different people allows a person to fulfill them in different ways. Every individual has a higher potential to have their needs satisfied and satisfy others.
Morally people argue for monogamous relationships. However, why is it morally wrong. Committed relationships tend to lead to negative emotions like jealousy, insecurity, pride, possessiveness. Failure of committed relationships can lead to pain, depression, anger etc. Would it not be morally better if we eliminate the expectations and obligations of relationships and make it free for all. We could potentially prevent more harm that way than the emotional harms caused by commitments.
Finally, does love and commitment genuinely exist - or is it just a construct for us to believe in. Do we believe in love and commitment because they actually exist or that we are constantly led to and made to believe in these romantic notions. Is a human being genuinely capable of unconditional love and commitment without the repercussions of regret and remorse? In terms of general human happiness in life does one way conclusively override the other in benefits? Or are we just setting ourselves up for disappointment by believing in fake and unreal social constructs.
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