The Swinging Paradigm: An Evaluation of the Marital and Sexual Satisfaction of Swingers

Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality, Volume 12, January 23, 2009
By Edward M. Fernandes

"The Swinging Paradigm" by Edward M. Fernandes provides an in-depth analysis of the swinging lifestyle, focusing on the marital and sexual satisfaction of swingers. The introduction highlights the development of Fernandes' interest in the topic, spurred by an article questioning whether family values can survive sexual adventure. The article suggested that swinging, defined as consensual sexual interactions among married individuals with others, was increasingly becoming part of the marital relationship schema in North America. Despite the perception of swinging as morally depraved by some, the article posited that swingers maintained strong, loving relationships and led otherwise traditional family lives, challenging the notion of swinging as a threat to marriage and family unit integrity.

Fernandes embarked on a research journey to explore the relationship between swinging, marital satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction, questioning the stability of swingers' emotional relationships and the impact of swinging on the family unit. The lack of extensive research and consistent longitudinal data on swinging due to the population's elusive and secretive nature is noted, along with the challenge of collecting randomized samples from this group.

The document then delves into swinging concepts and backgrounds, addressing the societal perception of extra-dyadic sex as adulterous and swingers' rejection of this label for their activities. It highlights the need for more research to understand the motivations behind swinging and its societal implications. Swinging is described as involving partner exchanges for sexual purposes within committed relationships, with emotional monogamy and the primary love relationship remaining central. The potential beneficial effects of a swinging lifestyle on family values, as suggested by some media articles and works like "The Lifestyle" by Gould, are also mentioned, indicating a complex and nuanced understanding of swinging and its impact on participants' lives and broader societal norms