Changes in the swinging lifestyle: a US national and historical comparison

Cult Health Sex. 2019 Feb;21(2):219-232. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1460692. Epub 2018 May 15.

Abstract

Although engaging in extramarital relationships with permission from spouses has been practised for generations, relatively little is known about those who participate and how they have changed over the years. This study expands on existing research by comparing the demographics and sexual practices of those in swinging and non-swinging communities from the 1980s to those in 2016. Data from the 1980s were collected through membership forms submitted to a swinger organisation and a national dataset conducted in the USA (i.e. The General Social Survey), while the recent dataset was collected through an online survey. Compared to the non-swinging population, swingers were more likely to be Caucasian, younger, educated, wealthy and more satisfied with their marriage and sex life. Demographic comparisons of swingers from 1982 to 2016 showed an increase in diversity, growing connection to the US Democratic Party and increased use of protection to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Marital satisfaction remained the same regardless of year measured, but the amount of sex engaged in over a year decreased over time.

Keywords: Swinging; USA; couples/marital/love; extramarital sex; normative sexual behaviour.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Extramarital Relations*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Marriage
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Spouses / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States