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Concept
Monogamy
Summary
Monogamy (məˈnɒgəmi ) is a dyadic relationship in which two members of a group form an exclusive intimate partnership. Having only one partner at any one time, whether that be for life or whether that be serial monogamy, contrasts with various forms of non-monogamy (e.g., polygamy or polyamory). More generally, the term is used to describe the behavioral ecology and sexual selection of animal mating systems, referring to the state of having only one mate at any one given time. In a human cultural context, monogamy typically refers to the custom of two individuals, regardless of orientation, committing to a sexually exclusive relationship.
The word monogamy derives from the Greek μονός, monos ("one"), and γάμος, gamos ("marriage"), referring to the functional social behaviour of pair-bonding. The term can then be subsequently subclassified by context-dependent relational types. Generally, there are four intersecting definitions.
genetic monogamy refers to sexually monogamous relationships with genetic evidence of paternity.
sexual monogamy refers to two partners remaining sexually exclusive with each other and having no outside sex partners.
social monogamy refers to two individuals co-habitating, maintaining a sexual relationship, and sharing basic resources such as shelter, food, and parenting responsibilities.
marital monogamy refers to marriages of only two people, within the context of the institution of marriage.
For instance, biologists, biological anthropologists, and behavioral ecologists often use monogamy in the sense of sexual, if not genetic (reproductive), exclusivity. When cultural or social anthropologists and other social scientists use the term monogamy, the meaning is social or marital monogamy.
Marital monogamy may be further distinguished between:
classical monogamy, "a single relationship between people who marry as virgins, remain sexually exclusive their entire lives, and become celibate upon the death of the partner"
serial monogamy, marriage with only one other person at a time, in contrast to bigamy or polygamy
Defining monogamy across cultures can be difficult because of different cultural assumptions.
Official source
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