Strategic Use of Fidelity in Romantic Relationships

Nyhet

Defensive Monogamy and Self-Protection

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

1 529 kr

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This book offers a bold reinterpretation of monogamy, framing it not as a reflection of romantic desire but as a calculated effort to secure exclusivity from a partner.Despite widespread dissatisfaction, infidelity, and high divorce rates, monogamy remains the dominant relationship model. Rather than attributing this persistence to irrationality or tradition, James K. Beggan explores monogamy as a defensive practice—a strategic agreement in which individuals seek commitment primarily to ensure their partner’s fidelity. Rooted in fear of loss, jealousy, and emotional insecurity, this book reveals how monogamy often functions as a protective mechanism rather than a mutual aspiration. People overestimate their ability—or willingness—to uphold monogamous commitments, viewing them less as personal convictions and more as tools for managing risk. Drawing on interdisciplinary research across behavioral economics, psychology, sociology, and decision science, this book reconceptualizes monogamy as a form of social bargaining. By shifting the focus from morality to strategy, it challenges the ideal of romantic exclusivity and raises a provocative question: Are declarations of loyalty expressions of love, or are they evidence of doubt dressed as devotion?

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2026-03-19
Mått154 x 232 x 22 mm
Vikt580 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor296
FörlagBloomsbury Publishing Plc
ISBN9781666981148

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IntroductionSection One: The Holy Grail of MonogamyChapter 1: The Meaning of MonogamyChapter 2: The Monogamy GameChapter 3: Marriage and MonogamyChapter 4: Rationalizing MonogamyChapter 5: Performative MonogamySection Two: The Downside of MonogamyChapter 6: Committing to Defensive MonogamyChapter 7: Commitment in RelationshipsSection Three: Rejecting Monogamy and MatrimonyChapter 8: InfidelityChapter 9: Divorce and Consensual NonmonogamyConclusionReferencesIndexAbout the Author

The Strategic Use of Fidelity in Romantic Relationships interrogates the monogamy myth by identifying the logical and pragmatic fissures in monogamy theory and practice. Beggan’s expansive examination begins with a simple observation regarding divorce rates and proceeds to address previous research, popular defenses, and persistent assumptions regarding Western culture’s continued valorization of monogamy particularly in its most common form, marriage. Beggan’s provocative concept of “defensive monogamy” challenges existing conceptualizations and data regarding fidelity and is a significant contribution to relationship studies. Through “defensive monogamy,” he more accurately and more rationally describes the way in which relationships function and the ways they dysfunction. In the words of J. P. Morgan, people make decisions for two reasons: the “good reason” and “the real reason.” Beggan’s excellent work investigates the real reasons we deploy monogamy and how those reasons frequently derail the fidelity and security couples seek.

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