Monogamy: physiological process, societal standard, evolutionary barrier?

*From archives/previous blog*

I found myself engaged in a debate on the concept of monogamy. Presented to me was the suggestion that monogamy is not natural, that the societal mandated norm of “mating for life” is nothing more than a social norm created by a population of insecure and essentially “simple” people. A method of keeping the masses in line. Monogamy, being an unnatural concept, is therefore a standard which a person must actively work at to achieve, and then maintain.
I am unable to argue with those points effectively. Physical desires and the physiological processes associated with the human body are not centered on monogamy, but on physical release and procreation. I concur that one must consistently work at maintaining a monogamous relationship. Some attain this goal easier than others, likely due to biological differences in individuals. Of course the Biblical argument comes into play and it is often a person’s faith that allows them and/or forces them to conform to the act of monogamy. Regardless of the method by which a person or persons attempts to attain a monogamous state, I fully agree that monogamy requires a conscious effort.
I do not think that asserting monogamy as unnatural qualifies it as wrong. Regardless of one’s religious, moral or ethical beliefs - there are strong arguments for the “rightness” of monogamy. Compared on a simple level - an individual who lifts weights in an attempt to gain significant muscle mass is not necessarily doing something natural. The act of tearing muscle fibers, physical pain and recovery on a consistent basis is neither natural or easy, but neither is it wrong. A concept being unnatural is not justification enough to deem it wrong. Regardless of the societal norms and implications, there is a definite moral implication to monogamy - perhaps the morals themselves have been shaped by society as a whole. Perhaps by a higher power. Perhaps by the necessity of a family unit to further the human race. Evolution, religion, government, nature, nurture - all theories with the same result.