How HUMAN became promiscuous

Evolutionary psychologists have suggested that men are more likely to have extramarital sex, partially due to the male urge to "spread genes" by broadcasting sperm. Both males and females, these scientists say, try to up their evolutionary progress by seeking out high-quality mates, albeit in different ways.

The committed partnership between a man and a woman evolved, some say, for the well-being of children.

"The human species has evolved to make commitments between males and females in regards to raising their offspring, so this is a bond," said Jane Lancaster.

"I don't think we are a monogamous animal," said Pepper Schwartz, "A really monogamous animal is a goose – which never mates again even if its mate is killed ... Monogamy is invented for order and investment – but not necessarily because it's 'natural.'"

Storyteller: Jane Lancaster, evolutionary anthropologist, University of New Mexico.
Storyteller: Professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Are Humans Meant to be Monogamous?