Out of Eden: The Surprising Consequences of Polygamy [1ed.]0190275502, 9780190275501

«  » »Description:In this changing world of what is socially and politically «  »correct, » » polygamy is perhaps the last great taboo. Over the last thousand years, monogamy – at least in name – has been the default setting for coupledom and procreation in the Western world. And yet, throughout history, there have been inklings that «  »one-man, one-woman » » is an uncomfortable institution for human beings. The consistently high rate of marital «  »cheating » » by both sexes, plus the persistent interest in a variety of sexual partners – on the part of women as well as men – suggest strongly that monogamy isnt easy, and certainly isnt «  »natural, » » for either sex. Esteemed writer and evolutionary biologist David P. Barash tackles this uncomfortable finding: that humans are actually biologically and anthropologically inclined toward polygamy. Drawing on decades of research, Barash presents a remarkable array of scientific evidence from evolutionary biology and cross-cultural studies that guide the reader through the hidden impacts of polygamy on such crucial behavior as violence, parenting, sexual preferences, adultery and efforts at monogamy itself, along with mind-bending speculation about the possible role of our polygamous predisposition when it comes to human genius, homosexuality and even monotheism. But take heart, monogamists! Although our species has long been «  »out of Eden, » » this fascinating read is ultimately reassuring that «  »biology is not destiny. » » » » »



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