Final answer:
The preference for monogamy or polygamy in human societies varies greatly by culture. While monogamy is common in American and European contexts, including same-sex marriage, polygamy, notably polygyny, is practiced and accepted in parts of Africa and Asia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that in human societies, monogamy is preferred cannot be universally classified as true or false; preferences for marital structures vary greatly across different cultures. While many American and European cultures practice monogamy, a significant number of human societies practice different forms of polygamy.
In societies where monogamy is practiced, there is typically a socially sanctioned union between two adults. This has been adapted to include same-sex marriage in many parts of the world, such as in 30 countries where same-sex marriage is legal following major legal changes like the Obergefell v. Hodges case in the United States.
Conversely, in some cultures, particularly in northern Africa and east Asia, polygamous marriages are practiced and accepted, often reflecting societal norms such as status or adaptation to specific environmental stresses. Polygyny, where a man is married to more than one woman, is the most common form of polygamy and practiced by various societies, albeit by typically a small percentage of the male population, usually older, wealthier, or higher in social status.
Therefore, the preference for monogamy or polygamy in human societies highly depends on cultural, economic, social, and legal factors specific to each community or region.