But why pair bond? Although it solves the problems of procreation, companionship and security, there are other possible solutions to these problems.
For example just today I learned of one practiced by the Mosuo culture (China).
* This society doesn’t practice marriage.
* Men and women can change partners as they please throughout their lives. Couples that form never live together. The man will visit woman at night, but the rest of the time they generally live separate lives.
* Both men and women continue to live with his or hers extended family’s (including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews) and be responsible for that family.
* Children are raised by their mothers and the mothers’ families. Everyone in the family, including men, shares in parental duties, so the child ends up having multiple father and mother figures.
Now doesn’t that sound like a more sophisticated solution then depending on just one other person for companionship and security?