Are monogamists still the majority? Will monogamy fade in modern society?

Question

What will our families and relationships look like in the future?

Is strong family needed for psychological health of kids and partners?

Is it possible to change the trend and keep families strong? How?

Is open relationship the solution for keeping families intact or it's just against our instincts?

Answer 1

I guess, like me, everyone has been afraid to tackle this question. Also possibly afraid of it’s answer. First let me say, the following response is my personal opinion and hypothesis based upon personal experience, observing friends and family and co-workers, and what the media portrays.

As of today, Monogamists are a slim majority, who will become a minority within 60 years. Having extra marital affairs is easier, and more accepted by both parties now more than ever. Most of my friends (who are over 25, of various races, and educated with a college degree or higher) say, that if they were in a marriage where their husband cheated, they would be willing to look past the affair and save the marriage.

Our great, great grand-parents did cheat on their partners, but it was very frowned upon. Now, with websites like www.marrieddatelink.com, and NaughtyoNice.com finding a married woman or man to romance, is discreet, cheap, and ‘okay’. When former president Bill Clinton’s was exposed, the world generally, had a “So, what!” attitude. If anything his popularity increased, making him more popular.

In the future families will probably be divided into 4 basic types. Traditional- One man, one woman, and children. g*y-Same s*x partner with or without children. New age- One man, several women (only one in the same household) with or without kids, and Single- One man or woman with or without children. The marriage contract, just as it made room for g*y marriage, will slowly weaken its rules to allow multiple husbands or wives, and even a time line. I do take you, Elizabeth to be my lawfully wedded wife for the next 6 years. After all, a marriage agreement is just like any other contract, and it can be changed.

Rather or not strong family is need for psychological health of kids, would be best decided by a professional. In my opinion, any one of the above groups can produce a child that is beneficial to society. Children generally respond well as long as their basic needs are provided for, and as long as they feel loved and supported. Adults, however, in any of the groups may experience a feeling of not being good enough. Like all greed, having multiple wives/ husbands may become a social status. A traditional wife may feel deprived of this experience.

Please e-mail me through Yahoo answers for the rest of the answer to your question. I’d also like your opinion on the subject.