Children Quote by Christopher Ryan
““Could it be that the atomic isolation of the husband-wife nucleus with an orbiting child or two is in fact a culturally imposed aberration for our species—as ill-suited to our evolved tendencies as corsets, chastity belts, and suits of armor?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Sex at Dawn, Christopher Ryan & Cacilda Jethá, 2010
The quote questions that monogamous marriage and child‑rearing structures may be cultural constructs that clash with human evolutionary tendencies, similar to restrictive clothing or armor.
In simple terms: Marriage norms may conflict with natural human behavior.
Key Takeaway
Question societal expectations about relationships.
Themes
evolution
culture
relationships
social constructs
human nature
Mood
critical
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- family planning
- relationship counseling
- social policy
- education
- media representation
Key Concepts
Monogamy
evolutionary psychology
cultural relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How might alternative family structures benefit individuals?
- What evidence challenges the monogamy norm?
A Different Perspective
Cultural norms are deeply entrenched and resistant to change.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
![“[Man] has imagined a heaven, and has left entirely out of it the supremest of all his delights, the one ecstasy that stands first and foremost in the heart of every individual of his race…sexual intercourse! It is as if a lost and perishing person in a roasting desert should be told by a rescuer…” quote by Christopher Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/939/christopher-ryan-4309_joy_man-has-imagined-a-heaven-and-has-left-e_187069.jpg)
