social monogamy

Social monogamy refers to a relationship structure where two individuals form a long-term partnership, living and cooperating together, often raising offspring jointly. This arrangement emphasizes shared social bonds and responsibilities rather than exclusive sexual activity, as partners may engage in sexual relationships outside their primary partnership. It is common among many bird and mammal species, including humans, and provides benefits like cooperative parenting, emotional support, and social stability. Unlike genetic monogamy, where partners are sexually exclusive, social monogamy focuses on the social and cooperative aspects of the partnership.