Swinging (sexual practice)

Lore & Background

Swinging can take place in a number of contexts, ranging from spontaneous sexual activity at informal gatherings to planned meetings at sex clubs, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or private homes. Many websites now cater to swinging couples, some with hundreds of thousands of members. Swinger parties may involve 'full swap' (penetrative sex) or 'soft swap' (non-penetrative sex only). 'Soft swinging' refers to couples engaging in sexual activities with only each other while other couples perform sex acts nearby.

Research on swinging has been conducted in the United States since the late 1960s. A 2000 study based on an Internet questionnaire found swingers reported higher happiness in their relationships than the norm. John Stossel's 2005 investigative report cited Terry Gould's research concluding that 'couples swing in order to not cheat on their partners.' Swingers interviewed said their marriages are stronger because they do not have affairs and do not lie to each other.

According to Terry Gould's book 'The Lifestyle,' swinging began among American Air Force pilots and their wives during World War II, though the realities of US military demographics suggest this arrangement evolved later. By the time the Korean War ended, swinging had spread from the military to the suburbs. In the 1970s, swinging became more prevalent but was still considered 'alternative' or 'fringe.'

Reader's Guide

Swinging represents a significant form of consensual non-monogamy that has been studied since the late 1960s. Its practitioners often cite increased quality and quantity of sex, variety, curiosity, and relationship strengthening as motivations. The swinging community sometimes refers to itself as 'the lifestyle' or 'the alternative lifestyle.'

Swingers face risks similar to those engaging in casual sex, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Some swingers practice safe sex, while others engage in unprotected sex (barebacking). Most swinger clubs provide condoms and may require their use. A Dutch study comparing medical records of self-reported swingers to the general population found STI prevalence highest among young people, homosexual men, and swingers, though this study has been criticized as not representative. Proponents argue that safe sex is accepted within the swinging community and that some non-monogamous populations have lower STI rates than the general population.

A common myth claims that a 'key party' is a form of swinger party where female partners randomly select keys to determine sexual partners, but researchers have been unable to confirm a first-hand account, suggesting it is an urban legend. In 2002, swingers' rights were added to the mission of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. Economic studies suggest that information and communications technology, together with improvements in medicine, have reduced some costs of swinging and increased the number of swingers.

Did You Know?

• The term 'swinging' was introduced by the media in the United States during the 1950s.
• A 2018 study estimated that 2.35% of Americans currently self-identify as swingers.
• A common 'key party' myth about swinging has never been confirmed by first-hand accounts and is considered an urban legend.
• In 2002, swingers' rights were added to the mission of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.