Mate swapping: Perceptions, value orientations, and participation in a midwestern community

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Human Sexuality
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Extramarital sexual activity, including swinging (mate swapping), is increasingly recognized.
• Societal perceptions of sexual behaviors evolve, challenging traditional views of deviance and morality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore community understanding, perception, and incidence of swinging.
• To analyze respondent values regarding participation in and acceptance of swinging.
• To investigate the social correlates and characteristics associated with swinging.

Main Methods:

• A stratified area probability sample of 579 married adults was surveyed.
• Data collection focused on community knowledge, respondent values, and swinging incidence.
• Descriptive and exploratory data analysis was employed.

Main Results:

• Over half of respondents were aware of swinging, but less than 7% would consider participating.
• Less than 2% of the sample reported ever participating in swinging.
• The majority of respondents disapproved of mate swapping and other forms of extramarital sex.

Conclusions:

• Swinging exists in the community but has low participation rates.
• Awareness of swinging does not equate to acceptance or participation.
• Societal disapproval remains high for extramarital sexual activities like swinging.