Why is sexual intercourse in public such a taboo in almost all human cultures?

Question

What biological or psychological reasons account for this.

Of course, many other animals have sexual intercourse in public, seemingly without any taboos.

Serious question, so serious answers only please.

Answer 1

becuase we are humans not animals. control yourself.

Answer 2

i know, why do so many people have to make such a big deal out of it??? its natural. i dont know why ppl use it as insults. i TOTALLY agree with you. my dad would probably too :)

Answer 3

the difference between man and animal is intellect. I was at a concert the other night and a couple were snogging each others face off throughout the entire concert. At one point i screamed at them to get a room as it was putting me off. I do not want to see public displays of affection. Alright have a quick snog, but please do not touch one another in inappropriate places in public.

Answer 4

I don't think it has always been so.

Ancient Greeks and Polynesians were quite relaxed about this sort of thing.

One reason probably is that people feel vulnerable while they are doing it and another is that certain religious movements consider anything sexual to be sinful and shameful

Answer 5

We have places for people like you. This is a private thing between two people, and not for all the world to see. If this does not please you, I suggest that you go and find some long lost tribe and join them. That sort of life might suit you better.

Answer 6

I understand your question. I don't really have an answer, but you are getting an awful lot of responses that say "we are humans, not animals."  Humans ARE animals!  We are mammals, people!

Answer 7

Simply because we are not animals.

Answer 8

Sexual intercourse is supposed to be an intimate act between consenting adults. Decency, morals and appreciation of appropriate behaviour should prevent most people from inappropriately exhibitionist sexual behaviour. You cannot compare (mostly) evolved human beings with animals and their baser instincts.

Answer 9

Common Sense.

Answer 10

would u want ur kid to walk down the street and see 2 g*y people doing it against the wall, then like, then decides hez gonna be g*y? i think not.

Answer 11

I really do NOT want to see that in public, animuals or people.. NOR would I want my children or grandchild to see it..

cause some things need to be private.  you could say the same for going to the bathroom. we ALL do it ..so why not let us do it right out in the open..

Answer 12

People are bound by societal restraints and decency; people also wear clothes, people also have cognitive skills, all reasons why people do not and should not have s*x in public; animals p**p in public too, but people, as a rule, do not.

Answer 13

I always wonder this, but why then, when a female becomes pregnant, its like 'wow, congratulations!'  its not a case of ["we-know-what-you're-doing!!"]  

And in answer to your question, - its cos we're a bunch of prudes!!  lol!!

Tx

Answer 14

It is just the jealousy principal, if you want to boil it right down

Answer 15

I don't know but I'll try and guess.

I guess that there is no biological reason - only a social one.  It probably relates to the nudity - when having sexual intercourse, you show yourself. So that is the real question - why are humans ashamed of being naked?  Do you believe the Adam and Eve story, if so then there's your answer.

Also, it is an intimate personal thing which the participants want to be kept private.

Also, it shows succumbing to (natural) desire which has always been looked down upon and/or supressed.

Also, sexual intercourse has been linked with ideas of betrayal which people are ashamed of so don't want to be public. ....

Hmm hmmm hm hm

Answer 16

The question doesn't deserve a serious answer.

Answer 17

Probably because as humans we have the ability to control our libidos while animals do not.

People know better while animals just do it by instinct