Swinging: A Study of Decision Making in Marriage.

This article examines decision-making patterns in marriage with regard to involvement in group sex or swinging. Twenty-five Toronto wives constitute the sample studied. It is found that husbands have an advantage on the three indicators of decision making used in this study: they more frequently are the first of the two spouses to learn of swinging, they tend to be the first to suggest swinging as an alternative for them, and they are more frequently the ones to reach the final decision leading to involvement in group sex. The results are discussed within the framerowk of power and exchange as well as in relation to studies on marital involvement and adjustment.