Ancient Societies

is it true that ancient societies where tiny societies where polyamory was practiced and they raised children collectively?

The practice of polyamory and collective child-rearing has indeed been observed in various societies throughout history, although it’s important to note that practices varied widely depending on the specific culture and historical context12.

Polyamory, which involves engaging in multiple romantic relationships simultaneously with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved, has been present from ancient civilizations to its subtler forms in medieval times, leading up to its more overt expressions in today’s society1. This exploration isn’t just a chronological recount; it’s an endeavor to contextualize the concept of loving multiple people within the broader canvas of human history1.

As for collective child-rearing, there are examples of this practice in various cultures. For instance, in the collective communities in Israel known as kibbutzim, communal child-rearing was the method of education that prevailed until about the end of the 1980s3. Collective education started on the day of birth and went on until adulthood3.

In some polyamorous families, shared child-rearing is creating new forms of kinship structures that are beneficial to both children and adults, although attachment to transient members of the family is raised as a concern2.

However, it’s important to remember that these practices are not universal and can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including cultural norms, societal structures, and individual beliefs and values. It’s also worth noting that the size of these societies can vary, and not all were necessarily “tiny” as you mentioned. The diversity of human experiences and relationships is vast and complex.