Episode Details

What does the science actually say about whether humans are naturally monogamous? This episode unpacks the biological markers—sexual dimorphism, testis size, and concealed ovulation—that point to a "mixed strategy" rather than strict pair-bonding. Then we trace the legal history of anti-polygamy laws in the United States, from the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act to the Edmunds-Tucker Act, and examine the asymmetry between how traditional religious polygamy and modern secular polyamory are treated under the law. We also explore how Judaism and Christianity have historically approached polygamy—from Rabbi Gershom's ban on Ashkenazi Jews to the Council of Trent's declaration of monogamy as the only valid Christian marriage.