Yes I know the bonobos are not monogamous, I was referring to human society, that was my fault I did not make my self clear. Actually that whole last post was in reference to a group of humans that might try and emulate the bonobos.

My point was that unless all get to participate, and close to the same level of participation, there will be problems. If there is a portion of the society that is not included in this “share and share alike” situation they will try and change their position by what ever means necessary. Humans are picky they don’t just have sex with anyone, males less picky then females, but there are limits with males as well. So I guess I see other problems other then just possessiveness that would keep humans from having a society like the bonobos.

You’re not getting it. Bonobo society IS fair — to bonobos. And they’re not in the least monogamous. Share and share alike is their credo. Read about them. A beautiful photo book by Frans der Waal is my first recommendation. It’s mind-blowing how peaceful, loving and wonderful they are. Those that think man is the pinnacle of evolution are missing the bigger picture, I think.

Monogamy is only fair if both people agree to its fairness. And most humans don’t feel it’s fair — otherwise most humans wouldn’t cheat. Likewise, non-monogamy is fair only is everyone involved thinks it is.

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I don’t know either, but it would be interesting to try.

One thing that does come to mind though is the the experiment with capuchin monkeys, having to do with fairness. In one experiment they gave one monkey a piece of cucumber for some amount work and another monkey was given a grape for the same amount of work or no work at all. The monkeys were able to tell that they were being treated unfairly and then refused to do the work or in some cases threw the cucumber back at the person conducting the experiment. So I think some sort of sexual fairness would be needed in a bonobo-like society. Perhaps this is one reason why monogamous relationships exist, they promote a sense of fairness.

A society of human bonobos. There would be some volunteers, I’m sure. But can we honestly set aside everything we’ve been inculcated with and really be like a bonobo? I don’t know. I’d hope.

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