Why We Love to . . .Cheat Cover Story Cover Story 21st-Century Couples Are Kissing Goodbye to Monogamy. So Is One Partner Not Enough? Peter Ross Investigates
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Summary
MONOGAMY is a notion to which Britain, among other nations, has remained faithful for a very long time.
Anthropologists estimate that around four million years ago the brains of our hominid ancestors began to hum and throb with romantic feelings distinct from the primitive sexual urge; they formed couples in which to raise their offspring and this became the new model for a successful and happy life. By the 12th century, when the Roman Catholic Church recognised marriage as a sacrament, monogamy had evolved into more than a cunning reproductive strategy - it was seen as the right way to live, good for society and individual morality. That has been the dominant view ever since, despite the best efforts of Henry VIII, Brigham Young and Peter Stringfellow.See the full content of this document
Extract
Why We Love to . . .Cheat Cover Story Cover Story 21st-Century Couples Are Kissing Goodbye to Monogamy. So Is One Partner Not Enough? Peter Ross Investigates
In the early years of the 21st century, however, it's arguable that monogamy has outlived its usefulness, has in fact become dysfunctional, and that western society is developing a sort of 900- year-itch. Could - and should - we embrace a model that isn't based around two people forsaking all others, but encompasses the idea of sexual freedom? In other words, is Britain's affair with monogamy coming to an end?
One person who ought to know is journalist and author Pamela Druckerman, whose new book Lust In Translation examines infidelity in several countries, including Britain. Having embarked on her home- wreckers' odyssey, she discovered that "bubbling just below the placid, monogamous surface of daily life, there is another universe where lots of cheating goes on".Infidelity is more common in poorer countries, Druckerman says. "People in rich countries risk a lot whe...See the full content of this document
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