IS PROMISCUITY A PSYCHOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL PHENOMENON?

[FRITZ OTTUH]

Throughout time humans have developed various behavioural patterns and one of such is promiscuity. In some societies having more than one partner or spouse is acceptable legally (polygamy) while in others we find the opposite (monogamy). Despite the difference in legality there is still promiscuous activity in societies of a monogamous setting. Where I come from I’ve observed the environment to be pure monogamous and promiscuity is like the air I breathe on both the males’ and females’ part. A male or female might have a spouse but along the journey either individual cheats on his/her partner. I say ‘cheat’ because the term would have to be used in a monogamous setting. If it had been a polygamous setting there would be no need for the word ‘cheat’. Is it really cheating? Its actually cheating the legal setting of monogamy. Does it cheat the psychological and cultural setting of the individual? Psychologically many individuals have been hypnotized into carrying out promiscuous activities in a monogamous setting. I’ve recently spoken to a female friend of mine and she admitted that although she is in a relationship there is nothing stopping her from having sex with this other guy who has for some reason captured her mind. On the other hand, culturally many individuals have been hypnotized into carrying out promiscuous activities in a monogamous setting. As a teenager growing up I’ve been exposed to male peer groups that have had this ideology whereby females are seen as sexual subjects (so having sex with lots of women is the goal). A peer group of that magnitude develops a cultural trait within society and new members of the group become hypnotized (thinking to them self ‘this is glory’).
• What is your take on promiscuous behavioural patterns?
• Do you think promiscuity is psychological as much as cultural?
• Do you think promiscuity will ever stop lol?

[Biron Bi]

Sun
I’m kinda getting to like you. Keep hitting back Sis.
OK, there will always be points we agree and disagree on, that’s what make these forums interesting.
My challenge to your strong leaning towards white domination being the nucleus of all sins still stands, even though I have being a direct victim of discrimination. I would much rather we focused more on what we are doing that does not enhance out currant status in OUR eyes.

In building economic prosperity we must give money the respect it needs and if you look around many off us are poor money managers.

Career wise, we are far more talented than we credit ourselves with, but how many of us set career goals.

Relationship wise, we are no different to our European counterparts the main difference is that we have not been able to seek out the equation that values strong family ties and the empowering effect it has on our own prosperity.

Advice and counsel, too many feel that asking is undermining rather than uplifting, we must recognise that nobody knows everything and by asking we relive ourselves of doubt, fear and frustration and that the person giving advice see us in brighter light.

Promiscuous, it happens and for a variety of reasons and in all walks of life, I think that makes it cultural and psychological and not gender bias.

Knowing the self is a fundamental and life inspiring things, and when you know yourself you are less likely to act in ways that reduce your inner values of the self.

Now, back to the white super society that keeps blacks down, I disagree, disagree, disagree, there are many examples of successful Black people to prove we can do just as good and better, we just need to apply ourselves. E.g, Oprah, Tiger, the Williams family, Magic, Farrakhan, Barack, Tira Banks, Tina, Winnie Mandela, Judge Thurman, Garvey, Grace Jones, Michael Johnson, Norma Williams, Willard White, Paul Roberson, Will Smith, Ali, etc, etc its called hard work and determination.

Love Biron

[African Beauty]

The sexual behavior that is considered "socially acceptable" and what behavior is considered "promiscuous" varies among different cultures. Being a psychology major, I believe that promiscuity is both psychological and cultural. No I don't think it will end because men and women are pretty much programmed for promiscuity, we just have different desires.

[FRITZ OTTUH]

Yes my sister you hit the nail on the head with 'desires' as a key word in the continuation of promiscuous behaviour. I personally went/go through a phase in which older women are attracted to me sexually because of the great implications 'desire' has on the motivation of their mental choice to be sexually attracted to me. I must, however, point out also that these women have their partners.

[Dan Tres Omi]

it's all about power and misconceptions of power.A good number of people have multiple partners because it gives them a sense of empowerment. we all know it's a false sense of power but for a good number of people it makes them feel powerful.

then again, sex is so devalued in this culture, who knows.

[Sun Ship]

There is no scientific, sociological, or religious evidence either presently or historically that says that having more than one commitment to a sexual partner is wrong or a devaluation of the human relationship between genders, unless you are follower of Indo-European or Greco-Roman cultured based religions, which promotes monogamy in principle while allowing non-committed polyamorous or illicit sexual relationships secretly.

Scientifically there is no evidence that humans or even primates are monogamous, and historically and anthropologically humans have continued to prove this to be so.

Peace