Monogamy refers to exclusive mate selection and bonding among men and women in society. In a population, individuals compete for partners to reproduce with, thus, creating an opportunity for natural selection. Following the variation of conformity among people, preference for a sex partner accounts for the evolutionary changes realized over time in societies. The implication is that a trait necessary for survival stems from successful mating in a society (Moorad 1635). Insights from behavioral science demonstrate that people exhibit variation in traits significantly, especially on personality, which is influenced by genetic makeup.
Moreover, it unveils that certain traits of characters are universal among human populations. For instance, societies all over the world understand jealousy associated with sexuality (Boutwell and Boisvert 114). Therefore, this paper discusses whether societies should impose monogamy, with emphasis on survival and peace within the community.
Survival of a population depends on The survival traits of individuals in a society, which depends on the selection of a sex partner. A study has demonstrated that mating among people within the society impacts the level of fitness of their children (Moorad 1646). It unveils that in a population with polygamous families, the children born exhibit high fertility. However, suitability in reproduction alone does not mount substantial evidence for survival since life expectancy depends on multiple traits and factors. Evidence from the study unveils that polygamy is not tied to the survival of the children (Moorad 1646). Survival depends on socially important genetic traits which help to withstand health challenges such as self-control. Being able to manage impulses is directly linked to promiscuity, the spread of diseases and, death. However, the stability of the environment as created by ancestors also influence self-control (Boutwell and Boisvert 114). Thus, selective mating would enhance the survival of people in a society as opposed to polygamy.
Peaceful co-existence in society is necessary and is influenced by cultures that impact the family life of individuals. When the practiced customs or beliefs in a community are not easily welcomed, it becomes costly in the long-term impacts. For instance, polygamous families are generally unstable following sexual dissatisfaction and impulsive arguments (Jankowiak et al. 81). Co-wives often exhibit contrasting interests following their sexual desires towards one man. Moreover, the exchange of words associated with emotional impulses is typical among co-wives over issues such as health care and basic needs concerns offered by the man. It implies that polygamy is linked to dissatisfaction, as opposed to a monogamous family where selective mating and affection are achieved by couples (Jankowiak et al. 96). Some researchers indicate that a society of monogamous individuals is threatened with conflict from infidelity resulting in abandonment and suicide (Cherkas et al. 655). However, the argument is based on probability and not culturally significant traits. Infidelity is not a culture that impacts society, but a personal motive for sexual satisfaction. Thus, monogamy is appropriate for peaceful co-existence and survival in society.
In conclusion, marriage influences the fate of people in a given society since it confers traits that are vital for survival. The customs and beliefs of the society should be focused on good health and peaceful co-existence of all generations. It is possible to achieve it through exclusive mating. It is through exclusive mating that sexual jealousy leading to emotions and wars can be eliminated. Moreover, good traits can be conferred to offspring by ancestors. Therefore, society should impose monogamy.
References
Boutwell, Brian B. and Danielle Boisvert. “Sexual Promiscuity and Self-control: A Behavior Genetic Explanation to an Evolutionary Question.” Personality and Individual Differences, vol. 63, 2014, pp. 112-114.
Cherkas, Lynn F., et al. “Genetic Influences on Female Infidelity and Number of Sexual Partners in Humans: A Linkage and Association Study of the Role of the Vasopressin Receptor Gene (AVPR1A).” Twin Research, vol. 7, no. 6, 2004, pp. 649-658.
Jankowiak, William, Monika Sudakov and Benjamin C. Wilreker. “Co-wife Conflict and Co-operation.” Ethnology, vol. 44, no. 1, 2005, pp. 81-98.
Moorad, Jacob A. “Multi-level Sexual Selection: Individual and Family-level Selection for Mating Success in a Historical Human Population.” Evolution, vol. 67 no. 6, 2013, pp. 1635-1648.