Stephen Macedo
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691166483
- eISBN:
- 9781400865857
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691166483.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
The institution of marriage stands at a critical juncture. As gay marriage equality gains acceptance in law and public opinion, questions abound regarding marriage's future. Will same-sex marriage ...
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The institution of marriage stands at a critical juncture. As gay marriage equality gains acceptance in law and public opinion, questions abound regarding marriage's future. Will same-sex marriage lead to more radical marriage reform? Should it? Antonin Scalia and many others on the right warn of a slippery slope from same-sex marriage toward polygamy, adult incest, and the dissolution of marriage as we know it. Equally, many academics, activists, and intellectuals on the left contend that there is no place for monogamous marriage as a special status defined by law. This book demonstrates that both sides are wrong: the same principles of democratic justice that demand marriage equality for same-sex couples also lend support to monogamous marriage. The book displays the groundlessness of arguments against same-sex marriage and defends marriage as a public institution against those who would eliminate its special status or supplant it with private arrangements. Arguing that monogamy reflects and cultivates our most basic democratic values, the book opposes the legal recognition of polygamy, but agrees with progressives that public policies should do more to support nontraditional caring and caregiving relationships. Throughout, the book explores the meaning of contemporary marriage and the reasons for its fragility and its enduring significance. Casting new light on today's debates over the future of marriage, the book lays the groundwork for a stronger institution.Less
The institution of marriage stands at a critical juncture. As gay marriage equality gains acceptance in law and public opinion, questions abound regarding marriage's future. Will same-sex marriage lead to more radical marriage reform? Should it? Antonin Scalia and many others on the right warn of a slippery slope from same-sex marriage toward polygamy, adult incest, and the dissolution of marriage as we know it. Equally, many academics, activists, and intellectuals on the left contend that there is no place for monogamous marriage as a special status defined by law. This book demonstrates that both sides are wrong: the same principles of democratic justice that demand marriage equality for same-sex couples also lend support to monogamous marriage. The book displays the groundlessness of arguments against same-sex marriage and defends marriage as a public institution against those who would eliminate its special status or supplant it with private arrangements. Arguing that monogamy reflects and cultivates our most basic democratic values, the book opposes the legal recognition of polygamy, but agrees with progressives that public policies should do more to support nontraditional caring and caregiving relationships. Throughout, the book explores the meaning of contemporary marriage and the reasons for its fragility and its enduring significance. Casting new light on today's debates over the future of marriage, the book lays the groundwork for a stronger institution.
Eric Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199777921
- eISBN:
- 9780199919062
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199777921.003.0017
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter offers a summary of the previous sixteen chapters. It also indicates the need for cultural recognition of varying relationship models without a presumption of the superiority or morality ...
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This chapter offers a summary of the previous sixteen chapters. It also indicates the need for cultural recognition of varying relationship models without a presumption of the superiority or morality of monogamy. This chapter concludes that multiple sexual social scripts and multiple models of relationships should co-exist as equally viable and moral relationship types. Yet, this possibility is currently nullified by the hegemonic control monogamy maintains. Hopefully this research will help ameliorate this problem of monogamy.Less
This chapter offers a summary of the previous sixteen chapters. It also indicates the need for cultural recognition of varying relationship models without a presumption of the superiority or morality of monogamy. This chapter concludes that multiple sexual social scripts and multiple models of relationships should co-exist as equally viable and moral relationship types. Yet, this possibility is currently nullified by the hegemonic control monogamy maintains. Hopefully this research will help ameliorate this problem of monogamy.
Eric Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199777921
- eISBN:
- 9780199919062
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199777921.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
A resilient cultural myth equates monogamy with a test of true love. Yet, despite this strongly-held cultural ideal, cheating is rampant. Whereas most books seek to cure men from their cheating ...
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A resilient cultural myth equates monogamy with a test of true love. Yet, despite this strongly-held cultural ideal, cheating is rampant. Whereas most books seek to cure men from their cheating malaise, The Monogamy Gap offers a far more radical idea: that men cheat because they love. In this groundbreaking research by Professor Eric Anderson, instead of entering his research with a condemnation of cheating, he examines for the purpose of cheating. Drawing on interviews with 120 straight and gay men, The Monogamy Gap shows how, after the intense and passionate sex of the early relationship fades, cheating functions to keep monogamous couples together. Thus, Professor Anderson finds that men cheat not because they fail to love their partners, but in order to satisfy their sexual desires without desiring to disrupt their emotional relationship. Rather than break up with their lovers so they can have meaningless erotic sex, men cheat as a rational solution to the irrational expectations of monogamy. However, these men still want the cultural capital given to monogamous relationships, and they therefore find themselves living with competing emotional and sexual desires: wanting monogamy, but also wanting recreational sex.Less
A resilient cultural myth equates monogamy with a test of true love. Yet, despite this strongly-held cultural ideal, cheating is rampant. Whereas most books seek to cure men from their cheating malaise, The Monogamy Gap offers a far more radical idea: that men cheat because they love. In this groundbreaking research by Professor Eric Anderson, instead of entering his research with a condemnation of cheating, he examines for the purpose of cheating. Drawing on interviews with 120 straight and gay men, The Monogamy Gap shows how, after the intense and passionate sex of the early relationship fades, cheating functions to keep monogamous couples together. Thus, Professor Anderson finds that men cheat not because they fail to love their partners, but in order to satisfy their sexual desires without desiring to disrupt their emotional relationship. Rather than break up with their lovers so they can have meaningless erotic sex, men cheat as a rational solution to the irrational expectations of monogamy. However, these men still want the cultural capital given to monogamous relationships, and they therefore find themselves living with competing emotional and sexual desires: wanting monogamy, but also wanting recreational sex.
Eric Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199777921
- eISBN:
- 9780199919062
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199777921.003.0016
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter examines the exceptions to dyadic dissonance theory. It analyses the minority of men that did not cheat, looking to discern why. However, data was insufficient to tease out well enough ...
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This chapter examines the exceptions to dyadic dissonance theory. It analyses the minority of men that did not cheat, looking to discern why. However, data was insufficient to tease out well enough why some men do not cheat. It highlights that those who lack sexual capital are geographically removed from rich sexual marketplaces, or lack the ability to pay for sexual services are less likely to cheat. But it fails to answer why it is that some men, with high sexual capital, who exist in rich sexual marketplaces, do not cheat.Less
This chapter examines the exceptions to dyadic dissonance theory. It analyses the minority of men that did not cheat, looking to discern why. However, data was insufficient to tease out well enough why some men do not cheat. It highlights that those who lack sexual capital are geographically removed from rich sexual marketplaces, or lack the ability to pay for sexual services are less likely to cheat. But it fails to answer why it is that some men, with high sexual capital, who exist in rich sexual marketplaces, do not cheat.
Stephen Macedo
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691166483
- eISBN:
- 9781400865857
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691166483.003.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
This book offers arguments in defense of same-sex marriage, marriage (as a distinctive relationship defined by law), and monogamy. It considers the acrimonious debate over same-sex marriage and two ...
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This book offers arguments in defense of same-sex marriage, marriage (as a distinctive relationship defined by law), and monogamy. It considers the acrimonious debate over same-sex marriage and two sets of issues that arise from this debate and that are closely intertwined with marriage: sexual ethics and children's wellbeing. It also examines the ramifications of same-sex marriage for the meaning and future of marriage and asks whether the recognition of same-sex marriage will end marriage as we have known it, or whether civil marriage and monogamy are still justifiable and viable. Finally, the book explores the wider and deeper questions raised by the debate over marriage concerning liberalism as public philosophy. Parts 1 and 2 of the book make the cases for same-sex wedlock and marriage as a special status in civil law, whereas Part 3 focuses on the intersection of polygamy, monogamy, and democracy. The introduction provides an overview of the chapters that follow.Less
This book offers arguments in defense of same-sex marriage, marriage (as a distinctive relationship defined by law), and monogamy. It considers the acrimonious debate over same-sex marriage and two sets of issues that arise from this debate and that are closely intertwined with marriage: sexual ethics and children's wellbeing. It also examines the ramifications of same-sex marriage for the meaning and future of marriage and asks whether the recognition of same-sex marriage will end marriage as we have known it, or whether civil marriage and monogamy are still justifiable and viable. Finally, the book explores the wider and deeper questions raised by the debate over marriage concerning liberalism as public philosophy. Parts 1 and 2 of the book make the cases for same-sex wedlock and marriage as a special status in civil law, whereas Part 3 focuses on the intersection of polygamy, monogamy, and democracy. The introduction provides an overview of the chapters that follow.
Stephen Macedo
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691166483
- eISBN:
- 9781400865857
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691166483.003.0008
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
This chapter examines the different forms of plural marriage and provides some historical background and context, focusing on the long-running conflict around polygamy in the Mormon Church in North ...
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This chapter examines the different forms of plural marriage and provides some historical background and context, focusing on the long-running conflict around polygamy in the Mormon Church in North America. It asks whether we can justify prohibiting or denying recognition to polygamous marriages, whether we ought to drop restrictions based on numbers and focus on the quality of people's relationships, and on what grounds nonrecognition and discouragement of polygamy can be justified. It also considers the so-called “polyamory” and argues that same-sex marriage and polygamy have little in common, aside from being deviations from “traditional” monogamy. Finally, it explores plural marriage as a doctrinal tenet of the Mormons and the 1947 Supreme Court case Reynolds v. United States.Less
This chapter examines the different forms of plural marriage and provides some historical background and context, focusing on the long-running conflict around polygamy in the Mormon Church in North America. It asks whether we can justify prohibiting or denying recognition to polygamous marriages, whether we ought to drop restrictions based on numbers and focus on the quality of people's relationships, and on what grounds nonrecognition and discouragement of polygamy can be justified. It also considers the so-called “polyamory” and argues that same-sex marriage and polygamy have little in common, aside from being deviations from “traditional” monogamy. Finally, it explores plural marriage as a doctrinal tenet of the Mormons and the 1947 Supreme Court case Reynolds v. United States.
Stephen Macedo
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691166483
- eISBN:
- 9781400865857
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691166483.003.0011
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
This concluding chapter summarizes some of the main points of the book's argument regarding same-sex marriage, marriage, and monogamy. It first considers how same-sex marriage might change marriage ...
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This concluding chapter summarizes some of the main points of the book's argument regarding same-sex marriage, marriage, and monogamy. It first considers how same-sex marriage might change marriage for all before reflecting on what marriage tells us about the ideal of an ethically neutral state and liberalism as a public philosophy. It argues that same-sex marriage makes monogamous marriage stronger as a liberal and democratic social institution. From the standpoint of justice, the chapter explains how monogamous marriage helps imprint the DNA of equal liberty onto the very fiber of family and sexual intimacy. It contends that the distinctiveness of marriage as a plan of life goes beyond its role in securing justice, that lifelong monogamous marital commitment is a distinctive plan of life. It concludes by suggesting that, with respect to other complex aspects of law pertaining to marriage and family relations, the law should change incrementally.Less
This concluding chapter summarizes some of the main points of the book's argument regarding same-sex marriage, marriage, and monogamy. It first considers how same-sex marriage might change marriage for all before reflecting on what marriage tells us about the ideal of an ethically neutral state and liberalism as a public philosophy. It argues that same-sex marriage makes monogamous marriage stronger as a liberal and democratic social institution. From the standpoint of justice, the chapter explains how monogamous marriage helps imprint the DNA of equal liberty onto the very fiber of family and sexual intimacy. It contends that the distinctiveness of marriage as a plan of life goes beyond its role in securing justice, that lifelong monogamous marital commitment is a distinctive plan of life. It concludes by suggesting that, with respect to other complex aspects of law pertaining to marriage and family relations, the law should change incrementally.
Robin Dunbar
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264522
- eISBN:
- 9780191734724
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264522.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology
Humans have an unusual mating system — nominally monogamous pair-bonds set within multimale/multifemale communities. In the context of large, dispersed communities, this inevitably places a ...
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Humans have an unusual mating system — nominally monogamous pair-bonds set within multimale/multifemale communities. In the context of large, dispersed communities, this inevitably places a significant stress on mating strategies, especially for males for whom paternity uncertainty is a real problem. This chapter discusses the nature of this bonding process in terms of the proximate mechanisms that make it possible, and then asks why such a phenomenon might have evolved. It suggests that the evidence for the importance of biparental care is weak, and a more likely explanation is that females attached themselves to males in order to reduce the risks of harassment and infanticide from other males. Finally, the discussion examines when pair-bonds of this kind might have evolved during the course of hominin evolution, and suggests that it might have been quite late.Less
Humans have an unusual mating system — nominally monogamous pair-bonds set within multimale/multifemale communities. In the context of large, dispersed communities, this inevitably places a significant stress on mating strategies, especially for males for whom paternity uncertainty is a real problem. This chapter discusses the nature of this bonding process in terms of the proximate mechanisms that make it possible, and then asks why such a phenomenon might have evolved. It suggests that the evidence for the importance of biparental care is weak, and a more likely explanation is that females attached themselves to males in order to reduce the risks of harassment and infanticide from other males. Finally, the discussion examines when pair-bonds of this kind might have evolved during the course of hominin evolution, and suggests that it might have been quite late.
C. Sue Carter
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0024
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter discusses recent research with prairie voles, rodents that live in a state of social monogamy similar to that of human beings. Knowledge of the relatively simple brains and neurohormonal ...
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This chapter discusses recent research with prairie voles, rodents that live in a state of social monogamy similar to that of human beings. Knowledge of the relatively simple brains and neurohormonal processes of these animals helps to explain the origins of the human tendency to form strong, long-lasting social bonds and the emotions that accompany them. The chapter uses the term ‘social monogamy’ to distinguish the concept from that of sexual fidelity, which genetic testing has revealed to be exceedingly rare even in the apparently devoted prairie vole. Social monogamy refers to a way of living that promotes (but does not guarantee) sexual fidelity, shared parental care, and the reinforcement of social and emotional bonds. The chapter's research with prairie voles has identified two hormones — oxytocin and vasopressin — that appear to form the neural underpinnings of the social monogamy system. Interestingly, the physiological and emotional processes involved in social bonding and parental care are very similar to those that ensure wellness and survival (both hormones are important to healthy responses to stress and general coping). Increased knowledge of the ‘social nervous system’ of prairie voles will help us to understand why social support is so critical to human health and longevity. It may also explain why love and benevolence, which she sees as emotional reinforcements of social bonding, have healing powers.Less
This chapter discusses recent research with prairie voles, rodents that live in a state of social monogamy similar to that of human beings. Knowledge of the relatively simple brains and neurohormonal processes of these animals helps to explain the origins of the human tendency to form strong, long-lasting social bonds and the emotions that accompany them. The chapter uses the term ‘social monogamy’ to distinguish the concept from that of sexual fidelity, which genetic testing has revealed to be exceedingly rare even in the apparently devoted prairie vole. Social monogamy refers to a way of living that promotes (but does not guarantee) sexual fidelity, shared parental care, and the reinforcement of social and emotional bonds. The chapter's research with prairie voles has identified two hormones — oxytocin and vasopressin — that appear to form the neural underpinnings of the social monogamy system. Interestingly, the physiological and emotional processes involved in social bonding and parental care are very similar to those that ensure wellness and survival (both hormones are important to healthy responses to stress and general coping). Increased knowledge of the ‘social nervous system’ of prairie voles will help us to understand why social support is so critical to human health and longevity. It may also explain why love and benevolence, which she sees as emotional reinforcements of social bonding, have healing powers.
Karl Eduard Linsenmair
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195179927
- eISBN:
- 9780199790111
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195179927.003.0016
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
Isopods are the only crustacean taxon with many truly terrestrial species, including desert inhabitants. These species show a highly developed social behavior that is crucial for survival under the ...
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Isopods are the only crustacean taxon with many truly terrestrial species, including desert inhabitants. These species show a highly developed social behavior that is crucial for survival under the harsh conditions in desert environments. The desert-living Hemilepistus spp. depend on burrows that are costly to produce, can only be dug anew in spring, and have to be continuously defended against competitors. This is achieved by division of labor between the sexually and socially monogamous pair partners, and later with the progeny's participation. Using a comparative approach, this chapter draws inferences about the probable evolutionary route to the strict monogamous mating system found in one of the best studied and highly social species, H. reaumuri. It concludes that the narrow temporal window during which the extremely valuable family burrow can be constructed has resulted in the sophisticated social behavior found in this semelparous oniscoid isopod.Less
Isopods are the only crustacean taxon with many truly terrestrial species, including desert inhabitants. These species show a highly developed social behavior that is crucial for survival under the harsh conditions in desert environments. The desert-living Hemilepistus spp. depend on burrows that are costly to produce, can only be dug anew in spring, and have to be continuously defended against competitors. This is achieved by division of labor between the sexually and socially monogamous pair partners, and later with the progeny's participation. Using a comparative approach, this chapter draws inferences about the probable evolutionary route to the strict monogamous mating system found in one of the best studied and highly social species, H. reaumuri. It concludes that the narrow temporal window during which the extremely valuable family burrow can be constructed has resulted in the sophisticated social behavior found in this semelparous oniscoid isopod.
Mark Regnerus and Jeremy Uecker
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199743285
- eISBN:
- 9780199894741
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199743285.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter describes what is known about the sexual behavior of American young adults, beginning with the prevalence of virginity and discussion of primary reasons offered for ...
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This chapter describes what is known about the sexual behavior of American young adults, beginning with the prevalence of virginity and discussion of primary reasons offered for it. Serial monogamy, however, appears to be the central narrative of American heterosexual behavior. The chapter describes the average number of sexual partners that unmarried young adults report, highlighting how men and women “remember” their sexual pasts differently. Next the chapter outlines the role of oral sex in emerging adults’ lives and relationships — what it means, how its meaning has changed since adolescence, how popular it is, and what men and women think of giving and receiving it, followed by a discussion of anal sex and its rising — though more limited — prevalence. The chapter concludes with discussions of young adults’ contraceptive usage patterns, experiences of pregnancy scares, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among them.Less
This chapter describes what is known about the sexual behavior of American young adults, beginning with the prevalence of virginity and discussion of primary reasons offered for it. Serial monogamy, however, appears to be the central narrative of American heterosexual behavior. The chapter describes the average number of sexual partners that unmarried young adults report, highlighting how men and women “remember” their sexual pasts differently. Next the chapter outlines the role of oral sex in emerging adults’ lives and relationships — what it means, how its meaning has changed since adolescence, how popular it is, and what men and women think of giving and receiving it, followed by a discussion of anal sex and its rising — though more limited — prevalence. The chapter concludes with discussions of young adults’ contraceptive usage patterns, experiences of pregnancy scares, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among them.
Eric Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199777921
- eISBN:
- 9780199919062
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199777921.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter examines the various types of monogamy that exist. It examines monogamy not as a unitary construct, but that there exist multiple categories of monogamies. This is because the term ...
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This chapter examines the various types of monogamy that exist. It examines monogamy not as a unitary construct, but that there exist multiple categories of monogamies. This is because the term monogamy refers to a highly contestable, individualized and socially malleable set of attitudes and behaviors. These meanings are currently embedded within a number of other social institutions, including religion, politics and the nuclear, or ‘standard’ family. It also sets the definition of monogamy that is used in this research: an overt and/or implicit expectation that a couple is socially expected to reserve all sexual interaction (including sexual kissing) to one another.Less
This chapter examines the various types of monogamy that exist. It examines monogamy not as a unitary construct, but that there exist multiple categories of monogamies. This is because the term monogamy refers to a highly contestable, individualized and socially malleable set of attitudes and behaviors. These meanings are currently embedded within a number of other social institutions, including religion, politics and the nuclear, or ‘standard’ family. It also sets the definition of monogamy that is used in this research: an overt and/or implicit expectation that a couple is socially expected to reserve all sexual interaction (including sexual kissing) to one another.
Eric Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199777921
- eISBN:
- 9780199919062
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199777921.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter examines what emotional cost occurs for the restriction of men’s sexual activity with others after the sex in one’s own relationship grows boring. It explores the feelings of sexual ...
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This chapter examines what emotional cost occurs for the restriction of men’s sexual activity with others after the sex in one’s own relationship grows boring. It explores the feelings of sexual oppression that occur when monogamous men are prohibited from doing what their bodies increasingly desire, and what negative relationship-harming emotions are generated in the monogamy gap. This chapter also draws from secondary sources to show how monogamy also poses a risk of sexually transmitted infection.Less
This chapter examines what emotional cost occurs for the restriction of men’s sexual activity with others after the sex in one’s own relationship grows boring. It explores the feelings of sexual oppression that occur when monogamous men are prohibited from doing what their bodies increasingly desire, and what negative relationship-harming emotions are generated in the monogamy gap. This chapter also draws from secondary sources to show how monogamy also poses a risk of sexually transmitted infection.
Stephen W. Porges and C. Sue Carter
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195388107
- eISBN:
- 9780199918386
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388107.003.0020
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This essay describes neurobiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms that are implicated in human caregiving. Anatomical and biochemical systems that first appeared in the evolutionary transition from ...
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This essay describes neurobiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms that are implicated in human caregiving. Anatomical and biochemical systems that first appeared in the evolutionary transition from reptiles to mammals allowed the emergence of mammalian sociality. Human behaviors are characterized by symbiotic and reciprocal interactions, which are necessary for successful caregiving. The autonomic nervous system, and especially the mammalian changes in the parasympathetic system, provides an essential neural platform for social behavior. Especially critical to coordinating the features of positive sociality are neuropeptides including oxytocin and vasopressin. These neuropeptides modulate the mammalian autonomic nervous system to foster the expression of social behaviors and, when adaptive, defensive behaviors. Oxytocin, the same peptide that regulates various aspects of mammalian reproduction including birth, lactation and maternal behavior, is also involved in the beneficial and reciprocal effects of caregiving on physiology, behavior and health.Less
This essay describes neurobiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms that are implicated in human caregiving. Anatomical and biochemical systems that first appeared in the evolutionary transition from reptiles to mammals allowed the emergence of mammalian sociality. Human behaviors are characterized by symbiotic and reciprocal interactions, which are necessary for successful caregiving. The autonomic nervous system, and especially the mammalian changes in the parasympathetic system, provides an essential neural platform for social behavior. Especially critical to coordinating the features of positive sociality are neuropeptides including oxytocin and vasopressin. These neuropeptides modulate the mammalian autonomic nervous system to foster the expression of social behaviors and, when adaptive, defensive behaviors. Oxytocin, the same peptide that regulates various aspects of mammalian reproduction including birth, lactation and maternal behavior, is also involved in the beneficial and reciprocal effects of caregiving on physiology, behavior and health.
Helen Kraus
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199600786
- eISBN:
- 9780191731563
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199600786.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies, Church History
The Hebrew text functions here as the standard against which each of the five translated texts is measured. Genesis differs from other creation narratives from the Ancient Near East in that there is ...
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The Hebrew text functions here as the standard against which each of the five translated texts is measured. Genesis differs from other creation narratives from the Ancient Near East in that there is no sexual union; man is not begotten but made. Man, the Adam, is created as a clay artefact, animated by the divine breath, and subsequently woman is made out of man. The Hebrew is ambiguous regarding the male‐female relationship; they share a genetic make‐up, suggesting gender equality, and monogamy is emphasized. The reason and nature of their shame is obscure but is traditionally associated with original sin and carnal knowledge. Woman, through her dialogue with the serpent, shoulders the blame for the disobedience but all bear the consequences and receive punishment. Woman will suffer the strains and pains of childbirth and rearing children.Less
The Hebrew text functions here as the standard against which each of the five translated texts is measured. Genesis differs from other creation narratives from the Ancient Near East in that there is no sexual union; man is not begotten but made. Man, the Adam, is created as a clay artefact, animated by the divine breath, and subsequently woman is made out of man. The Hebrew is ambiguous regarding the male‐female relationship; they share a genetic make‐up, suggesting gender equality, and monogamy is emphasized. The reason and nature of their shame is obscure but is traditionally associated with original sin and carnal knowledge. Woman, through her dialogue with the serpent, shoulders the blame for the disobedience but all bear the consequences and receive punishment. Woman will suffer the strains and pains of childbirth and rearing children.
Will Stockton
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780823275502
- eISBN:
- 9780823277209
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823275502.001.0001
- Subject:
- Literature, Shakespeare Studies
Through readings of Shakespeare and Paul, Members of His Body protests the Christian defense of marital monogamy. If the Paul who authors 1 Corinthians would prefer that unmarried believers remain ...
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Through readings of Shakespeare and Paul, Members of His Body protests the Christian defense of marital monogamy. If the Paul who authors 1 Corinthians would prefer that unmarried believers remain single, the pseudonymous Paul of the epistle to the Ephesians argues that marriage affords the couple membership in the body of Christ. For neither Paul is plural marriage the antithesis of Christian marriage. For the Paul of Ephesians, plural marriage is rather the telos of Christian community. Building on scholarship regarding early modern sexualities, as well as on political-theological conversations about Pauline universalism, Members of His Body argues that marriage functions in The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, and The Winter’s Tale as a contested vehicle of Christian embodiment. Shakespeare’s plays query the extent to which man and wife become “one flesh” through marriage, and the extent to which they share that fleshly identity with other Christians. These plays explore the racial, religious, and gender criteria for marital membership in the body of Christ. Finally, they suggest that marital jealousy and paranoia about adultery result in part from a Christian theology of shared embodiment. In the wake of recent arguments that expanding marriage rights to gay people will open the door to the cultural acceptance and legalization of plural marriage, Shakespeare’s plays remind us that much Christian theology already looks forward to this end.Less
Through readings of Shakespeare and Paul, Members of His Body protests the Christian defense of marital monogamy. If the Paul who authors 1 Corinthians would prefer that unmarried believers remain single, the pseudonymous Paul of the epistle to the Ephesians argues that marriage affords the couple membership in the body of Christ. For neither Paul is plural marriage the antithesis of Christian marriage. For the Paul of Ephesians, plural marriage is rather the telos of Christian community. Building on scholarship regarding early modern sexualities, as well as on political-theological conversations about Pauline universalism, Members of His Body argues that marriage functions in The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, and The Winter’s Tale as a contested vehicle of Christian embodiment. Shakespeare’s plays query the extent to which man and wife become “one flesh” through marriage, and the extent to which they share that fleshly identity with other Christians. These plays explore the racial, religious, and gender criteria for marital membership in the body of Christ. Finally, they suggest that marital jealousy and paranoia about adultery result in part from a Christian theology of shared embodiment. In the wake of recent arguments that expanding marriage rights to gay people will open the door to the cultural acceptance and legalization of plural marriage, Shakespeare’s plays remind us that much Christian theology already looks forward to this end.
Mimi Schippers
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781479801596
- eISBN:
- 9781479895342
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479801596.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
This book brings together empirical work on polyamory on the one hand and feminist, queer, and critical race theory on the other fill a theoretical gap in understanding the role of monogamy in ...
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This book brings together empirical work on polyamory on the one hand and feminist, queer, and critical race theory on the other fill a theoretical gap in understanding the role of monogamy in legitimating and perpetuating relations of social and cultural inequality. The two central theoretical goals in the book are to (1) begin unpacking the links between compulsory and institutionalized monogamy and heteromasculine privilege and dominance as it intersects with race and sexuality, and (2) develop a theoretical framework for identifying and cultivating what the author calls polyqueer sexualities—sexual and relationship intimacies that include more than two people and that, through plurality, open up possibilities to “undo” race and gender hierarchies in ways that would not otherwise arise within the context of dyadic sex or monogamy. Given the role of compulsory monogamy in legitimating and perpetuating race, gender, and sexual inequalities, the author argues that polyqueer challenges to mononormativity can, if done collectively, undo at least part of those systems of domination within the context of intimate relationships both in terms of their symbolic meaning and their embodied practice. The author does so by exploring narratives of cheating, constructions of the “Down Low,” and erotic threesomes, as well as her own experiences of polyamory.Less
This book brings together empirical work on polyamory on the one hand and feminist, queer, and critical race theory on the other fill a theoretical gap in understanding the role of monogamy in legitimating and perpetuating relations of social and cultural inequality. The two central theoretical goals in the book are to (1) begin unpacking the links between compulsory and institutionalized monogamy and heteromasculine privilege and dominance as it intersects with race and sexuality, and (2) develop a theoretical framework for identifying and cultivating what the author calls polyqueer sexualities—sexual and relationship intimacies that include more than two people and that, through plurality, open up possibilities to “undo” race and gender hierarchies in ways that would not otherwise arise within the context of dyadic sex or monogamy. Given the role of compulsory monogamy in legitimating and perpetuating race, gender, and sexual inequalities, the author argues that polyqueer challenges to mononormativity can, if done collectively, undo at least part of those systems of domination within the context of intimate relationships both in terms of their symbolic meaning and their embodied practice. The author does so by exploring narratives of cheating, constructions of the “Down Low,” and erotic threesomes, as well as her own experiences of polyamory.
Sheilla Rodríguez-Madera and Nelson Varas-Díaz
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199764303
- eISBN:
- 9780199950232
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199764303.003.0013
- Subject:
- Social Work, Health and Mental Health
One of the most taxing issues in the prevention of heterosexual transmission of HIV in Puerto Rico is culture itself. Researchers point to the need to change cultural norms related to gender and ...
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One of the most taxing issues in the prevention of heterosexual transmission of HIV in Puerto Rico is culture itself. Researchers point to the need to change cultural norms related to gender and sexuality to reduce HIV transmission: traditional gender roles that dictate the need for unprotected sex as a measure of relationship trust, understanding monogamy as an HIV prevention strategy, and the role of religion in discouraging condom use as a prevention effort. Although these issues are complex enough when addressing individuals, they become even more multifaceted when addressing couples that feel safe from HIV by having steady partners. However, when one partner in the dyad is HIV positive, implications for prevention are even more daunting. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to a better understanding of HIV risk and protection in serodiscordant couples in Puerto Rico, by employing exploratory qualitative interviews with 20 such dyads.Less
One of the most taxing issues in the prevention of heterosexual transmission of HIV in Puerto Rico is culture itself. Researchers point to the need to change cultural norms related to gender and sexuality to reduce HIV transmission: traditional gender roles that dictate the need for unprotected sex as a measure of relationship trust, understanding monogamy as an HIV prevention strategy, and the role of religion in discouraging condom use as a prevention effort. Although these issues are complex enough when addressing individuals, they become even more multifaceted when addressing couples that feel safe from HIV by having steady partners. However, when one partner in the dyad is HIV positive, implications for prevention are even more daunting. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to a better understanding of HIV risk and protection in serodiscordant couples in Puerto Rico, by employing exploratory qualitative interviews with 20 such dyads.
Göran Lind
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195366815
- eISBN:
- 9780199867837
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195366815.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
This chapter discusses legal capacity requirements in common law marriage. It focuses on two requirements: first, the parties must have reached a certain age to establish a common law marriage; and, ...
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This chapter discusses legal capacity requirements in common law marriage. It focuses on two requirements: first, the parties must have reached a certain age to establish a common law marriage; and, second, the parties may not already be married to another person, whether through a previous ceremonial or formless common law marriage. These requirements are of particular interest as the regulations applied to common law marriages differ somewhat from those applicable to ceremonial marriages, particularly because it often is unclear whether and when a common law marriage has been established.Less
This chapter discusses legal capacity requirements in common law marriage. It focuses on two requirements: first, the parties must have reached a certain age to establish a common law marriage; and, second, the parties may not already be married to another person, whether through a previous ceremonial or formless common law marriage. These requirements are of particular interest as the regulations applied to common law marriages differ somewhat from those applicable to ceremonial marriages, particularly because it often is unclear whether and when a common law marriage has been established.
Peter Biller
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199265596
- eISBN:
- 9780191699085
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199265596.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History, History of Ideas
By 1300, medieval men and women were beginning to measure multitude, counting, for example, numbers of boys and girls being baptized. Their mental capacity to grapple with population, to get its ...
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By 1300, medieval men and women were beginning to measure multitude, counting, for example, numbers of boys and girls being baptized. Their mental capacity to grapple with population, to get its measure, was developing and this book describes how medieval people thought about population through both the texts which contained their thought and the medieval realities which shaped it. They found many topics, such as the history of population and variations between polygamy, monogamy and virginity, through theology. Crusade and travel literature supplied the themes of Muslim polygamy, military numbers, the colonization of the Holy Land, and the populations of Mongolia and China. Translations of Aristotle provided not only new themes but also a new vocabulary with which to think about population. This book challenges the view that medieval thought was fundamentally abstract. It investigates medieval thought's capacity to deal with concrete contemporary realities, and sets academic discussions of population alongside the medieval facts of ‘birth, and copulation, and death’.Less
By 1300, medieval men and women were beginning to measure multitude, counting, for example, numbers of boys and girls being baptized. Their mental capacity to grapple with population, to get its measure, was developing and this book describes how medieval people thought about population through both the texts which contained their thought and the medieval realities which shaped it. They found many topics, such as the history of population and variations between polygamy, monogamy and virginity, through theology. Crusade and travel literature supplied the themes of Muslim polygamy, military numbers, the colonization of the Holy Land, and the populations of Mongolia and China. Translations of Aristotle provided not only new themes but also a new vocabulary with which to think about population. This book challenges the view that medieval thought was fundamentally abstract. It investigates medieval thought's capacity to deal with concrete contemporary realities, and sets academic discussions of population alongside the medieval facts of ‘birth, and copulation, and death’.
