The term swing has been around since the 1950s, though the idea of ​​swinging is definitely much, much older than that. In the past there were several cultures that allowed some type of non-marital sexual relations. Usually this was a privilege of the nobles, although there were other examples as well. For example, the ancient Romans saw sexual relations outside of marriage as completely normal, and even more so, they approved of them. This can be considered as an early form of rocking.

As mentioned, the term came into use in the 1950s. Modern rocking is considered to have begun in American military communities, sometime after the end of World War II. The exact date is impossible to pin down, however, it is in the late 1950s that the media became aware of the rumors of these practices and began to investigate them.

Over the years, this practice has been given many derogatory names. But what was left as a dilemma, is swinging considered adultery? From the legal point of view, in states where adultery is illegal, if there were a judicial process, any person involved in this practice would be considered an adulteress, since the law defines as adultery all extramarital sexual activity, regardless of knowledge, or consent. of the spouses.

However, on the other hand there are certain statistics that have been compiled recently, and that speak quite clearly in favor of the swinger lifestyle. And those statistics indicate that more than 90 percent of people who admitted they were involved in swinging practices feel that they have improved their relationship with their spouse and improved their marriage.

But the question of adultery still stands. Especially since there is an important issue raised regarding balancing. That is the question of jealousy. Although most of the partners who participate in the swing activities felt good about them, a large number of them admitted that they have problems controlling feelings of jealousy when swinging. So, that begs the same question again. If most people involved in this practice are jealous of their spouse, could this practice be called and considered adultery, even if consensual? This is still not clear, as frankly this topic is still a taboo, even in this modern society.

We should consider the definition of the word adultery, to try to establish some more facts. If you check online dictionaries, you will find that most of them define adultery as: “extramarital sexual activity that knowingly and maliciously interferes with marital relations.” Now the important part is “willfully and maliciously”. Considering that swinging is only considered swinging when it includes the knowledge and approval of both spouses, how can one speak of “intentional and malicious interference”. Obviously, swinging does not fall into this category and therefore should not be considered adultery.

However, it is a general consensus today, that although this practice is legal, and perhaps not adulterous in itself, it is something that most couples prefer to stay away from. There are numerous reasons for such an attitude, but that’s another story.