Are Genes Responsible for Infidelity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential genetic influences on infidelity, particularly focusing on a claim made by Professor Tim Spector regarding the correlation of infidelity among twins. The scope includes theoretical considerations of genetics, social factors, and the implications of reported statistics on infidelity rates.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference Professor Spector's claim that genetics may play a role in infidelity, particularly noting a 55% correlation among identical twins.
  • There is skepticism about the reported statistic that only 23% of women are unfaithful, with some participants expressing disbelief and questioning the validity of the study.
  • One participant suggests that the infidelity rate might be underreported, as only those caught may be included in statistics.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of published data supporting the claims, with participants noting difficulty in finding the original study.
  • Some participants speculate that the data might be preliminary or presented in a non-published format, such as at a conference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the genetic basis for infidelity, with some supporting the idea while others question the validity of the statistics and the existence of a strong link. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of published data to substantiate the claims made by Professor Spector, as well as uncertainty regarding the definitions of infidelity and the context of the statistics presented.

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Genes may to blame for infidelity

(quote)
Some people may be genetically programmed to be unfaithful to their partner, a scientist has claimed.

Professor Tim Spector, of the Twin Research Unit at St Thomas's Hospital, London, says he has evidence of a genetic component to infidelity.

Focusing on women, he found that if one of a pair of twins had a history of infidelity, the chances her sister would also stray were about 55%.

In general it is estimated that just 23% of women are not faithful.

In addition, Professor Spector found the tendency for both twins to be either faithful, or unfaithful was strongest in identical pairs - who have identical genes.

He stressed that genes alone did not determine whether somebody was likely to be unfaithful - much was down to social factors.
... (en quote)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3783031.stm
 
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pelastration said:
In general it is estimated that just 23% of women are not faithful.
JÚST 23%? :rolleyes:

..goes to look up study..
 
:confused: can't find it
 
Monique said:
:confused: can't find it
A hidden majority? :biggrin:
 
23% of Americans?

Wouldn't be surprised...
 
pelastration said:
Focusing on women, he found that if one of a pair of twins had a history of infidelity, the chances her sister would also stray were about 55%.

55%...hmm...so little more than a coin toss? Doesn't sound like much of a link to me.

I assume they mean infidelity in marriage? I'm sure many just don't bother getting married if they don't want to stick with just one man. I also think the rate of infidelity is higher than reported...only those who get caught are reported :devil:
 
:devil: I don't know what kind of a news report that is, since the data is still not published
 
I wonder if it's just preliminary data presented at a conference? I couldn't find any published work on it either.
 

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