Monogamy And Marriage Controversy

The primal instincts of man include both physical and emotional needs in a legitimate marriage of quality. Philosopher Christine Overall claims that criticisms of monogamy and marriage are implicitly sexist masculine behavior. Additionally stated, non-monogamy only expresses a connection of love among multiple partners through sex itself. Both cultural and social structures dictate the way men and women should conduct relationships, however natural physiological instincts prioritize reproduction as our method to the human species survival and continuation, unconcerned with love and marriage. I believe that in an uncomplicated world without social norms and controversy, lifestyles, whether containing ideals of monogamy or polygamy, can exist together peacefully because they define different passions for sharing love.
Unquestionably, the desire to reproduce is attached to all human beings. Yet Christine Overall argues that male sexual feelings are, “overwhelming and uncontrollable, and that one must act upon them.” I believe that this claim is only based on cultural generalizations of men and
doesn’t have equal consideration for the sexual needs of women. There are vast differences between males and females, however replication is of comparable significance to both sexes because of our given physiological characteristics. In the past, an obsolete moral code permitted greater sexual freedom and promiscuity to men but not women, stemming from the subordination of women. In reality, the double standard is slowly diminishing as society is becoming more open-minded about sex and multiple partners. With this progression, accepting individuals practicing multiple marriages becomes easier to identify.
With regard to multiple marriages however, love is featured in diverse terms.
According to Overall the ideology of non-monogamy, “defines potential love and closeness in terms of sexual relatedness… that the way to love others, to be close to others, is through a sexual relationship with them.” I believe this statement demonstrates the essential difference between the two types of relationships because the significance of love in polygamy must come with a different understanding. In monogamy, you love only one individual and the bond is much stronger on an emotional level. In contrast, polygamy involves love on a more pure physical sexual connection with the unharmed sharing of this love with others. A successful polygamy must separate the physical and emotional aspect of the relationship, which can become easily complicated if all parties are not on the same
page.
The question of monogamy versus polygamy raises various personal values. Monogamy truly captures love as an unparalleled sacred bond between two people offering tremendous enjoyment of both physical and emotional connection. Polygamy offers more simple emotional attachments, with higher emphasis on sexual freedom and intimacy. While I do not agree with Overall’s assertion that criticisms of monogamy are only masculine in character, I assent to her brief description of love in each case. Sexual attraction is not one-sided and we cannot deny our attraction to the individuals around us, beckoning us to question if monogamy is worth the lifelong commitment to a single being. While polygamy remains unlawful, it provides sexual variety, adventure, and the opportunity to live out fantasies without secrecy and deceit. What polygamy does not provide is a passionate and profound connection that is found easily. Inside every individual is love that we must decide how to share, satisfying our emotions as we see most appropriate.