Quillette Narrated Monogamy and the Making of Western Civilisation
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Jun 14, 2025 James Kierstead, a research fellow at the New Zealand Initiative and author specializing in political theory, dives into the critical role of monogamy in shaping Western civilization. He explores how ancient Greece's monogamous practices influenced key concepts like individualism, liberalism, and democracy. Kierstead also discusses the rising trend of polyamory among younger generations, suggesting it may reflect a return to historical social patterns rather than a bold new direction. His insights weave a thought-provoking narrative on love and society.
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Greco-Roman Roots of Monogamy
- The origins of Western monogamy trace back unusually to classical Greece and Rome, not Christianity alone.
- Greco-Roman societies uniquely imposed monogamy even on elites, contrasting with contemporary polygamous civilizations.
Athens' Monogamy and Democracy
- Athens' laws under Solon fostered monogamy by making only wedlock children legitimate for citizenship.
- This helped promote egalitarianism and was a foundation for the city's democracy.
Monogamy Supports Social Stability
- Polygyny concentrates women with elite men, leaving many men without spouses and causing social instability.
- Monogamy calms male competition, promoting social cohesion, cooperation, and collective success.