A belief exists that the monogamous family structure, consisting of a man, a woman, and children, forms the 'foundation of the state'. This institution is often ascribed a near-magical quality, as though it were not the product of evolution or historical circumstances, but rather a representation of a revealed ideal form of coexistence. However, new research published in the prestigious journal PNAS sheds light on the relationship between monogamous structures and competitive inheritance practices. Evolutionary anthropologist Gabriel Šaffa notes that monogamy tends to arise in societies where there is intense competition for inheritance, primarily of land.

Gabriel Šaffa, a Slovak scientist involved in the research, is affiliated with the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice and University College London. His significant role in the study encompassed hypothesis formalization, data preparation, analysis, and result interpretation, underscoring the collaborative nature of academic research. His fascination with monogamous marriage can be traced back to his dissertation, where he explored the evolution of cultural practices that restrict access to reproduction, revealing insights into the social mechanisms that encourage monogamous arrangements.

This research challenges long-held perspectives by suggesting that monogamy is not a universal institution but rather a response to specific societal pressures regarding inheritance. The implications of this study could reshape discussions around family structures and raise questions about the cultural narratives surrounding marriage and kinship, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of human social arrangements in various historical and environmental contexts.