Monogamy - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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Monogamy is a social and cultural practice where an individual forms an exclusive romantic and sexual relationship with one partner at a time. This arrangement is typically contrasted with polygamy, where a person may have multiple spouses simultaneously.

In the context of GCSE Sociology, monogamy is examined as a type of marital structure common in many societies, where it is often seen as the traditional or idealised form of partnership. Sociologists study monogamy to understand its implications on family structures, social expectations, and its role in shaping societal norms and values.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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