Bonobos

Today's discussion with the different clips about mating styles on animals as well as the different readings we had on gender ideology, reminded me of a class I took called "Love, Mariage and the Experience of Being a Wife" taught by Doctor Amy Parish. In her class we looked at the biological and cultural explanations for female subjugation. We started off class by looking at different animals and their mating techniques to try better understand our own human behavior. Of all of the animals we learned about, I found it most interesting to learn about Bonobos. The Bonobo is particularly known for its high levels of sexual behavior. Sex is used in fixing conflict, showing affection, determining social status, excitement and reducing stress. It occurs in virtually all partner combinations (male-female, male-male, female-female). This high level of sexual behavior is a factor in the lower levels of aggression seen in the Bonobos when compared to all different kinds of chimpanzee and other apes. They are also perceived to be matriarchal; the females tend to dominate the males by forming alliances and using their sexuality to control and influence the males. Also, a male's rank in the social hierarchy is determined by his mothers rank. I think that studying the Bonobos and their openness to sex and sexuality and their various uses of sex can be helpful in further understanding human behavior. Because of the way that this society of creatures is formed, they experience less violence, aggression and death than any other group of chimps or apes. Perhaps we could learn something from these peaceful creatures. I have also attached a short clip from a film in which Dr. Parish explains the relationships of the Bonobos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG84FuIjMqA