The myth of monogamy

In The Myth of Monogamy, David P. Barash and Judith Eve Lipton describe how this new research proves that the desire for multiple partners is natural, unlike monogamy. The authors challenge the conventional wisdom that monogamy is a natural and fundamental feature of human behavior. They explore scientific evidence from a variety of fields, including evolutionary biology, psychology, anthropology, and zoology, to argue that monogamy is not as prevalent or natural as commonly believed. Barash and Lipton examine the evolutionary history of human sexual behavior, highlighting examples of societies in animal species that practice alternative forms of relationships, such as polygyny, polyandry, and promiscuity. They also explore the reasons why humans may be predisposed to seek multiple or extra-parental relationships. By challenging traditional notions of monogamy, the authors offer provocative insights into the diversity of human sexual behavior and its evolutionary roots. They argue that understanding this diversity can lead to greater understanding and acceptance of variations in human relationships.