Big Think

Is monogamy good for society? | Louise Perry

Oct 9, 2025
Louise Perry dives into the debate over monogamy versus polyamory. She explores the potential of polyamory as a sexual minority rights movement while emphasizing the stability of monogamous relationships. Highlighting the 'Cinderella effect,' she discusses how polygynous households can lead to increased conflict and risks for children. Perry traces monogamy's roots back to ancient Rome and discusses how Christianity reshaped sexual ethics to protect the vulnerable, revealing the complexities around sexual norms and societal well-being.
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INSIGHT

Evolution Limits Designing New Mating Systems

  • Polyamory proponents claim polygyny was the dominant human mating model across cultures.
  • Louise Perry argues our evolved minds limit how well we can redesign mating systems despite technological change.
ANECDOTE

Salt Lake City Example And The Cinderella Effect

  • Perry references Salt Lake City and fundamentalist polygamy as an example of plural marriage practice.
  • She highlights the Cinderella effect where stepchildren face much higher abuse risk in such households.
INSIGHT

Monogamy Correlates With Social Stability

  • Monogamous societies tend to be more stable, peaceful, and prosperous compared to polygynous ones.
  • Perry cites higher household conflict and much greater risk of child abuse in multiwife households as key harms.
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