The_Analyzer Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 Just wanted others thoughts on this. I have always heard that cheating is a choice. However, if people have a family history of cheaters, (meaning there are people in your family that have done this or still do) does this make you more prone to cheat just because you have a family history of it? This is my opinon of it, reguardless of wheather or not genetics plays a role in cheating, I think its still our choice or up to us wheather we choose to do that or not. I have yet to find or hear scientific eveidence of this as far as genetics and people just born to cheat because its in their history. I would also imagine some people might would use that as an excuse to justify what it is they were doing if it were to be proved. The reason for me saying that is, I had a friend not to long ago that said her husband told her the reason for his cheating was, "My father did it, my uncle did it, my brother did it, so its in the genes for me to do it too." LOL...see what I mean, thats just an excuse. Thats just what I think anyway. Any others opinons are welcome.
uriel Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 Why do you assume that a family history of infidelity would mean a cheater was genetically predisposed? Very common for us to adopt family patterns, as a result of learned relationship strategies and emotional management. The dread of affairs might also be lessened, as well as the sense of their immorality. Then again, it could be heightened, too. However, it's well established that many victims of abuse become victimizers. They act out the behaviors of those who offended against them in order to feel more in control and powerful -- now putting themsleves in that role. This might be the same here. Of course it's a choice. Even biological predisposition doesn't equal unavoidable compulsion. We're animals, but very sophisticated ones with higher brain functions and a rich basis of socialization. -- uriel
The_Analyzer Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 I wasn't assuming anything, I just asked what others thought. I gave my opinon as to what my friend told me her husband told her. I'm simply stating that because it is a choice I think what he told her was a load of crap. Thats just my opinon.
Moose Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 Definite load of crap!!! Just because my Father abused me, and is an alcoholic, (which is probably genetic), doesn't mean that I'm going to abuse my family or become a drunk. It is a choice
The_Analyzer Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 My point exactly Moose. I have heard of some excuses before but when my friend told me her husband said it was in his genes, and that was his excuse, I was like "hmmm what an interesting topic to post"..lol
faux Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 Originally posted by The_Analyzer ...I have yet to find or hear scientific eveidence of this as far as genetics and people just born to cheat because its in their history. I would also imagine some people might would use that as an excuse to justify what it is they were doing if it were to be proved. ... There is scientific evidence that humans may not be intended to remain in monogamous relationships. Based on our evolution, and the study of other primates, this makes some sense. I suppose it is up to the individual to interpret the data as he may, however. I have seen studies of the penis which seem to suggest that its very shape is intended to combat for the sperm race with other males. If the shape of the penis could actually help to remove sperm from another male, why then would we evolve such a mechanism if we were intended to have but one partner? If men produce "killer sperm", which actively seek out and destroy sperm not of that male, once in the female body, what then does this suggest? Unfortunately, I lose some credibility here as I cannot quote exact sources. I do not have the books, or the documentary tapes laying in front of me.
Moose Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 I have seen studies of the penis which seem to suggest that its very shape is intended to combat for the sperm race with other males. If the shape of the penis could actually help to remove sperm from another male, why then would we evolve such a mechanism if we were intended to have but one partner? If men produce "killer sperm", which actively seek out and destroy sperm not of that male, once in the female body, what then does this suggest? Faux, this sounds like science fiction to me.....sorry but it does....remember Osmosis? I can just picture a gang of sperm having a rumble trying to establish their turf........
uriel Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 I think it's quite likely that human beings have latent instincts that are genetically predisposing. We're animals -- highly evolved ones, but animals just the same. So I don't discount what faux is saying. At the same time -- Because we are so highly evolved, however, we can rationally choose our behavior. We can acknowledge and rechannel impulses. This is what many of the world religions have sought to provide cognitive and emotional support for. Monogamy is a socially adaptive behavior that ensures good child rearing. It may be a genetically adaptive behavior for that same reason. Some animals have this sort of mating or pairing (swans, for instance). Pairing, just like kinship or tribal grouping, can also be an adaptive survival trait or behavior. -- uriel
sinner Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 Is there a fidelity gene? I believe there has been some genetic "fidelity" research done on prairie and meadow voles. Scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University and Atlanta's Center for Behavioral Neuroscience have discovered a gene in the monogamous prairie vole that when injected in their cousins, the promiscuous meadow voles, causes the meadow voles to become monogamous as well. So I wouldn't rule out a genetic "fidelity" mechanism in humans. Although I still believe that infidelity has more to do with opportunity and choice than DNA.
moimeme Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 Actually, Moose, as it turns out, there was a theory very popular for a while that men produce 'killer sperm' designed to wipe out other men's sperm. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=baker+bellis+sperm Apparently, more recent studies have showed different results but since some studies first seemed to show this was possible, who knows...
EC Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 Osmosis lol. W/e though It shouldn't matter If you have 'killer spern' or not.. I still believe it's a choice. You see your family do it and then you decide whether it's wrong or right and whether you'll do it or not. I don't believe you come out of the womb ready to cheat its something you learn.
sinner Posted August 21, 2004 Posted August 21, 2004 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3783031.stm Check out the above link. According to one British researcher, who studies the infidelity behavior of identical female twins, infidelity may, in fact, have a genetic component.
tokyo Posted August 21, 2004 Posted August 21, 2004 I think that family has a lot of impact on people´s life. You are born into a family and you adopt what you see till you have a chance to aquire or discover higher moral standards and start to question your environment. Some people never question what they learned from their parents and even if they do, it´s always difficult to apply what you have learned to be right than following your usual habits and patterns. Compare it with smoking. It´s an addiction, but also a habit. If everyone in your family cheats you might be more prone to cheating, but I don´t think it´s in the genes. Even if it was in the genes, I´d still expect my husband not to excuse himself with this. As thinking beings we should at least try to transcend the confinements of our genetic heritage (well, to a certain extent) and not blame everything on genes. It might be an explanation why we tend to do something, but it´s not enough for an excuse. A society only works if the single individuals are able to control certain emotions, otherwise everybody would get violent if he gets angered, women wouldn´t be able to cross the street without getting raped. The control mechanism are law, social proscription and ethics. The latter is each individuals own choice. People cheat, because they can cheat and they think it´s ok. They weigh up the risk to get caught and the good feeling they get when they do it. I don´t understand why these people don´t look for an open relationship instead of doing it behind their partners back. We are not rabbits, are we?
Recommended Posts