Quote:
Originally Posted by cdcox
If there were no jealosy and we didn't form emotional attachments to those we are intimate with, we would be a 100% polygomous species. The fact that we have always had some individuals who are polygomous while others are monogomous is a clear indication that our biology pulls us both ways.
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I thought it was mostly primitive and ancient societies that were polygamous or polyandrous?
In less advanced times, like pastoral times, it's easier to be polygamous but later when economics advanced only a few practiced it as it strains the resources of men. It's quite expensive, so it was mainly
kings and the wealthy that practiced it where it was allowed. ( or concubinage) Having more than one wife was a sign of power and wealth. Also, some primitive societies held property in common which is another reason there were multiple sexual mates. Interestingly enough, this is why it is favored among Marxists, as in everyone's wife belongs to all. In other situations it was due to the scarcity of males, arising from wars or too many female births. So I would conclude that the arrangement is economic and survival while men still have a biological urge to mate with other women even if they don't act on it. One is relies on analytical reasoning in order to survive the other biological.