Men and Marriage

1. The Sexual Superiority of Women and the Male Need for Socialization

The crucial process of civilization is the subordination of male sexual impulses and biology to the long-term horizons of female sexuality.

Women's sexual superiority is evident in their central roles in reproduction, childbearing, and nurturing. This biological reality gives women a natural advantage in shaping society's long-term goals and values. Men, on the other hand, are driven by short-term sexual impulses that need to be channeled and controlled for the benefit of civilization.

Male socialization is essential for creating stable societies. This process involves:

• Transforming male lust into love
• Channeling male wanderlust into productive work
• Linking men to specific children and families
• Diverting male aggression into creativity and social progress

The challenge for every society is to define appropriate roles for men that harness their energy and aggression in constructive ways, while allowing women to exercise their natural leadership in shaping social values and priorities.

2. The Biological Differences Between Men and Women Shape Society

Men lust, but they know not what for; they wander, and lose track of the goal; they fight and compete, but they forget the prize; they spread seed, but spurn the seasons of growth; they chase power and glory, but miss the meaning of life.

Biological determinism plays a significant role in shaping human behavior and social structures. Men and women are fundamentally different in their physical and psychological makeup, which leads to distinct roles and contributions to society.

Key biological differences:

• Men have higher levels of testosterone, leading to greater aggression and competitiveness
• Women have a more complex hormonal system, contributing to nurturing behaviors and long-term planning
• Male sexuality is more visually-oriented and short-term focused
• Female sexuality is more relationship-oriented and long-term focused

These biological differences manifest in social structures, with men typically taking on roles that involve physical labor, competition, and risk-taking, while women tend to excel in caregiving, communication, and social organization. Recognizing and working with these differences, rather than trying to erase them, is crucial for creating harmonious and productive societies.

3. Monogamy as the Foundation of Civilized Society

Monogamy is central to any democratic social contract, designed to prevent a breakdown of society into "war of every man against every other man."

Monogamy as social glue serves several crucial functions in maintaining civilized society. By pairing one man with one woman, monogamy creates a stable foundation for raising children and passing on cultural values.

Benefits of monogamy:

• Ensures more equal distribution of sexual partners
• Reduces male competition and violence
• Provides a stable environment for child-rearing
• Encourages long-term investment in family and community

Monogamy also helps to harness male energy and aggression into productive pursuits, as men are motivated to work and achieve in order to attract and support a wife and children. This arrangement benefits society as a whole by channeling male ambition into economic and social progress, rather than destructive competition for mates.

4. The Breakdown of Marriage and Its Societal Consequences

When a man, accepting an honor at the company banquet—or prefacing a book—gives much of the credit to his wife, he is not merely following a ritual. He is stating a practical fact. In all likelihood he would not have succeeded—and possibly not even survived—if he had been single or divorced.

Marriage breakdown has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. The decline of traditional marriage has led to a host of social problems, particularly for men.

Consequences of marriage breakdown:

• Higher rates of crime, substance abuse, and mental health issues among single men
• Increased poverty and welfare dependence, especially for single mothers and children
• Declining birth rates and population aging in developed countries
• Reduced economic productivity and innovation

Research consistently shows that married men are healthier, wealthier, and more successful than their single counterparts. This is not merely correlation; marriage provides men with stability, motivation, and emotional support that contribute directly to their success. The breakdown of marriage thus represents a significant loss of social capital and productivity for society as a whole.

5. The Crucial Role of Fathers in Family and Society

The central roles are mother and father, husband and wife. They form neat and apparently balanced pairs. But appearances are deceptive. In sexual terms, there is little balance at all.

Fatherhood as societal anchor is a crucial but often underappreciated aspect of family and social stability. While mothers play an undeniably vital role, fathers contribute uniquely to child development and social order.

Key contributions of fathers:

• Provide economic support for the family
• Offer male role models for children, especially boys
• Contribute to discipline and boundary-setting
• Encourage risk-taking and independence in children

The absence of fathers in many modern families has led to numerous social problems, including higher rates of juvenile delinquency, poor educational outcomes, and increased poverty. Recognizing and supporting the role of fathers is essential for maintaining strong families and a stable society.

6. The Perils of Sexual Liberation and Feminist Ideology

The feminist demand that women have control over their own bodies accentuated an unconscious recognition that males have almost completely lost control of procreative activity.

Sexual liberation's unintended consequences have led to a host of social problems, particularly for men and children. The feminist movement, while achieving some positive goals, has also contributed to the erosion of traditional family structures and gender roles.

Negative impacts of sexual liberation:

• Increased single parenthood and fatherless homes
• Higher rates of divorce and relationship instability
• Declining birth rates in developed countries
• Confusion about gender roles and expectations

The push for complete sexual equality and autonomy has paradoxically led to greater insecurity and unhappiness for both men and women. Men, in particular, have lost their traditional roles as providers and protectors, leading to a crisis of masculinity. Recognizing the complementary nature of male and female roles, rather than trying to erase all differences, may be a more productive approach to achieving genuine equality and social harmony.

7. The Importance of Traditional Family Values for Economic Growth

Capitalism begins with the love of families for their children and the belief that any child may grow up and make huge contributions to his society.

Family as economic engine underscores the vital link between strong families and economic prosperity. Traditional family values provide the foundation for the risk-taking, long-term planning, and work ethic necessary for capitalist success.

Key economic benefits of strong families:

• Encourage savings and investment for future generations
• Provide motivation for entrepreneurship and innovation
• Foster social stability, reducing costs of crime and welfare
• Produce well-socialized workers and citizens

Contrary to the view that capitalism thrives on greed and selfishness, it actually depends on the altruism and long-term thinking cultivated in stable families. The decline of traditional family structures in many developed countries may be contributing to economic stagnation and declining innovation.

8. The Threat of Bioengineering to Human Sexuality and Society

The cloud is biogenetic engineering, and it makes technically possible for the first time in human history a change in the very essence of sexuality.

Bioengineering's double-edged sword presents both opportunities and dangers for human sexuality and society. Advances in reproductive technologies and genetic engineering have the potential to radically alter the traditional relationships between men, women, and children.

Potential impacts of bioengineering:

• Artificial wombs could make natural pregnancy obsolete
• Genetic engineering could allow for "designer babies"
• Cloning could fundamentally alter concepts of individuality and identity
• Male genetic material could become unnecessary for reproduction

While these technologies offer potential benefits, such as treating infertility and genetic diseases, they also raise profound ethical questions. The ability to manipulate human biology at its most fundamental level could lead to unforeseen consequences for social structures, gender relations, and the very nature of human identity. Careful consideration of the ethical implications of these technologies is essential as we move into this uncharted territory.

Last updated: November 11, 2024