Swingers

Swingers are romantic couples or partners in committed relationships who engage in non-monogamous sexual behavior and activities with other couples as a recreational or social activity. The growth of swinging as an alternative lifestyle gained popularity during the sexual revolution of the United States in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and the revolution changed the nation’s opinion on sex, gender, and sexuality. Swinging as an alternative lifestyle gained support from the nation’s increasingly liberal views on sex and sexuality. United States and other western industrialized nations have liberal sexual trends in the past decades for several factors. The strength of the LGBT community, influence of mass media content, and anonymity in online discussions are factors that contributed to the growing community of swingers. Swingers have varying reasons for swinging, but general purposes are engaging in sexual benefits, bringing excitement into relationships, and allowing couples to explore their sexuality. Many romantic couples and partners in committed relationships across the world participate in swinging and claim that the practice has relational benefits. Bergstrand (2000) claims that emotional monogamy or commitment to one marital partner remains the primary focus of swingers, but statistical evidence have not conclusively proven the benefits of engaging in polygamous behavior. **Swing Clubs** Swing Clubs offer meeting locations and housing for swingers to participate in sexual activity. Swing clubs exist in a variety of forms, including house parties, bars, conventions, and lounges. NASCA defines swing clubs “as any organization, formal or informal, which exists to provide swinging activities” (McGinly, 2008). NASCA and other online swinging databases list national conventions, meetings, and places for swinging. Swing clubs are very places that connect swingers, and swinging experiences can vary depending on the event. Swing clubs that hold on-premise swinging events offer sexual activity at the location, while off-premise swinging refers to venues that help swingers meet in a non-sexual setting. Swing clubs can also occur in residential homes, and there is a trend for swinging in middle-class suburbs.
 * Swingers**

**Swinging Terms** Swingles are single individuals who attend swingers’ parties and interact with couples who are interested in playing with one partner. Soft swap refers to non-penetrative sex like oral sex. Full swap involves a variety of sexual acts like oral sex, penetrative sex, and anal sex. Closed swinging is partner swapping with sexual intercourse in separate rooms Open swinging is partner swapping or sexual intercourse with other couples in the same room or bed

**The Alternative Lifestyle** Swinging in the United States grew in popularity during the 1960’s and 1970’s. The sexual liberation of industrialized nations encouraged and promoted swinging as an alternative lifestyle. America in the 1980’s saw an increase in swinging clubs and swinging as a trade profession until the AIDS epidemic scared swingers underground. Swinging gained popularity and social acceptance in recent decades with societal advances by previously oppressed minority groups. Sexual movements and gay pride parades across the nation from the LGBT and other sexual communities changed the nation’s attitudes on sexuality and sexual freedom.

**Motivations** Swingers and couples participate in varying levels of swinging for different reasons, but one major reason is to satisfy the sexuality and excitement of couples without compromising the foundations of a relationship. Swingers who are able to “engage in sexual intimacy without succumbing to the dangers of emotional intimacy often find swinging invigorating and use it as a means through which to form a closer bond with their partner” (Busta, 2010). Swinging has potential benefits for couples because it gives sexual liberation without cheating or emotional attachment. Swinging is a lifestyle that permits sexual behavior with other partners while keeping the benefits of a relationship. Swinging is not simply a series of sexual acts with other people. Swingers form rules to address the concerns of both partners and establish guidelines on sexual and emotional intimacy.

**Rule Formation** Swingers establish rules and guidelines to prevent jealousy, resentment, or other negative feelings that might occur. The importance of communication “cannot be too heavily stressed when couples are considering engaging in the swinging lifestyles… Couples really have to talk it out, figure out what they are with and what they are not comfortable with and then create a set of rules to suit their needs” (Busta, 2010). Role formation is vital for swingers and potential swingers because violating rules can lead to relational problems and discomfort. Swingers participate in a variety of sex acts, and the rules for one couple do not necessarily apply to another. There is no universal rule for swinging, but there is an inclination towards heterosexual sex and conventional safe sex practices. Swingers are still gaining social acceptance, but they already made a tremendous impact by expanding their community. Swinging involves more than just sex with multiple partners; it is a lifestyle and method for couples to discover their sexuality.

References: Bergstrand, C. (2000, October 10). //Today's alternative marriage styles: the case of swingers//. Retrieved from http://www.ejhs.org/volume3/swing/body.htm Busta, S. (2010, May). //Swingers//. Retrieved from [] Hannaford, B. (n.d.). The Alternative Lifestyle. Retrieved from http://www.swinglifestyle.com/alternative_lifestyle McGinly, R. (2008). //Nasca international//. Retrieved from [] Swinging, O. (2007). What is swinging. Retrieved from [] swinging.html Swinging. //Wikipedia//. Retrieved April 7, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swinging