I really like the analogy in the OP, but no mention of paternity assurance or anxiety about infectious disease in the OP is confusing. The first, and to a lesser extent, the second seem to be some the primary drivers for long term monogamy.
I assert that now that paternity tests are available, and it’s theoretically possible for the state to easily care for a new human, monogamy in the form of marital restrictions on women’s sexuality, and obligatory paternal investment into children are probably both functionally obsolete, but persist because culture tends to be sticky.
Personally, I found that sexual jealousy is pointless, though I prefer deep longer term bonding instead of short term sexual relationships, someone having STIs (all of which are preventable/treatable) is an indication of irresponsibility that probably means that a relationship with me won’t last, and for entirely emotional reasons, and I would attempt to raise/be involved with any child who is genetically mine (but will avoid a child of a partner which is not). Unbundling the other stuff massively improved my life, I have great platonic relationships with people I’m (glad to) not having sex with anymore, and great sexual relationships with people with whom I wouldn’t be able to live with and don’t share any hobbies/other interests. I recommend it.
I pay my taxes, so child poverty and poor education shouldn’t be a thing in my community (even though it is)
I really like the analogy in the OP, but no mention of paternity assurance or anxiety about infectious disease in the OP is confusing. The first, and to a lesser extent, the second seem to be some the primary drivers for long term monogamy.
I assert that now that paternity tests are available, and it’s theoretically possible for the state to easily care for a new human, monogamy in the form of marital restrictions on women’s sexuality, and obligatory paternal investment into children are probably both functionally obsolete, but persist because culture tends to be sticky.
Personally, I found that sexual jealousy is pointless, though I prefer deep longer term bonding instead of short term sexual relationships, someone having STIs (all of which are preventable/treatable) is an indication of irresponsibility that probably means that a relationship with me won’t last, and for entirely emotional reasons, and I would attempt to raise/be involved with any child who is genetically mine (but will avoid a child of a partner which is not). Unbundling the other stuff massively improved my life, I have great platonic relationships with people I’m (glad to) not having sex with anymore, and great sexual relationships with people with whom I wouldn’t be able to live with and don’t share any hobbies/other interests. I recommend it.
I pay my taxes, so child poverty and poor education shouldn’t be a thing in my community (even though it is)