Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality by Cacilda Jethá and Christopher Ryan is an examination of human sexuality in the context of the prehistoric past. The authors argue that much of our contemporary understanding of relationships and sexuality is based on inaccurate stereotypes and outdated assumptions. Instead, they propose a different understanding of human sexuality that looks to evolutionary biology and anthropology for evidence.
The authors employ a unique perspective to examine how human sexuality has been shaped over the course of history. They begin by looking at the contemporary way of understanding relationships and how it arises from our Western culture. We often think that hetero-normative relationships are the only possible option and even believe that monogamy is the only successful path. The authors propose that this is not only wrong but is actually opposed to the way our species evolved.
In the earliest days of our species, human beings relied on foraging for food and migrating to different locales in order to survive. As a result, relationships were much less structured than they are today. The authors argue that rather than seeking lifelong partnerships, human beings tended to form multiple sexual relationships that lasted only for a brief period of time.
The authors then look at how this evolved over time. They cite different cultures, such as the Baruya of New Guinea, that had much more relaxed attitudes towards sexual behavior. They also explain how our ancestors shared sexual partners, which likely provided an evolutionary advantage by providing better protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
The authors go on to explain how this shaped our understanding of relationships and sexuality today. Through anthropology and evolutionary biology, the authors argue that our modern understanding of relationships is based on history and evolution rather than the idea of monogamy as a natural or superior choice.
The authors make a compelling case that the way we view relationships and sexuality is outdated and built on inaccurate stereotypes. They argue that humans are often more respectful towards multiple sexual partners than our current understandings of relationships allow. They challenge the traditional view of relationships and demonstrate how sexuality has evolved over time to become more complex.
Overall, Sex at Dawn is an important book that presents an important and compelling perspective on human sexuality. The authors argue that our current views on relationships and sexuality are outdated and largely incorrect. Through the use of evolutionary biology and anthropology, the authors prove that our sexual habits are deeply rooted in the past and that our understanding of relationships is based on incorrect assumptions. It is an essential read for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of human sexuality and how it has evolved over time.
