The term polygyny refers to the marriage of one man with two or more women. Where the women involved are sisters it is termed sororal polygyny. Though we are going to focus on nonsororal polygyny (co-wives are not sisters) because its occurrence is much more common. For years, anthropologists have been putting forward motives that explain the persistence of polygyny throughout the world. It typically has a strong economic and political function in the establishment of descent ties among groups as well as providing men with a route to power and influence. Anthropologists also argue that the polygyny custom can be religiously sanctioned especially in many Muslim societies. However in some cases, polygyny has emerged in societies that practice a long post-partum sex taboos. What is most concerning about this practice is its impact on gender relations. It is commonly thought that polygyny acts to reinforce and perpetuate gender inequality through cultural norms. Particular attention must be paid to power relations between husbands and wives as well as the imposition of strict gender roles and denying women basic rights. Polygyny is very much not an uncommon practice and continues to be widespread in numerous human societies.
There is no community that is more commonly associated with polygyny than are Arab Muslims. The typical Arab Muslim is frequently depicted as possessing a ‘harem’ of veiled wives especially in varieties of literature, movies, plays etc. It is obvious that this representation is based to some extent on the past behavior of some Arab Muslims, as well as on an Islamic principle which is illustrated by the Koranic verse “Marry women of your choice, Two, or three, or four; But if ye fear that ye shall not, Be able ...
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Polygyny is considered to be one of the most common forms of polygamy that you can find in all the region of the world where these practices are popular. Sociologists and anthropologists have made several efforts to find the cause of polygyny. These reasons vary from economically benefits to the barrenness of a wife. Though in the last couple of decades, polygyny has been the focus of a significant growth in public, political and academic awareness especially due to its effect on gender relations. The effects of this practice can be seen to be detrimental to women; psychologically and at times physically and sexually. Not only because the practice oppress and undermine women but also because it allows for gender inequality to persist. Polygyny reinforces a husband’s superiority whilst the wife occupies a subordinate role in marriage and ultimately in society.
All the way through Migdim's incident with arranged marriages, we can understand the old customs that has to do with marriage. It is obvious that, although women were believed to be obedient, they were capable to effectively convince men. Yet, today there seems to be a sign toward polygamous marriages that are eventu...
The film Onka's Big Moka provided some insight into a few topics we have discussed during the course like Horticulture and Polygyny. The Kawelka are horticulturalists as they raise pigs, grow a variety of food including yams. Rather than foraging their crops allow them for permanent settlements. It is mentioned that Ongka has 4 wives. A man married to 2+ women at the same time are considered to be polygyny. The film mentions Onka got an extra wife for the capacity of work. Having more than one wife allows increase access to resources and work, which one of his wives, Rumbeka, had complained
One man having many wives may seem like something that would happen in a male-dominated society, but while the men are spending time and doing things for one wife, the other wives are left to fend for themselves and their children. When Sogolon Wulen Condé cannot conceive because she has been vexed by the other wives of her husband, Maghan Konfara, she convinces her husband to take on another wife to have a child with. He ends up giving into her demands and marries another woman. While Sunjata is not actually born from this tie, the reader can see that Maghan Konfara is willing to respect his wife and listen to her input on such an impactful topic. Women are seen in the story has having a profound effect on the world around them, instead of just being used as a wife and mother. In this culture, they have more of a say. While not downplaying this system, it is critical to note that the polygamous marriages put in practice in the story of Sunjata would possibly complicate a patrilineal system, which is why the Mande peoples follow a matrilineal way
The men who mostly practice polygyny are the healers of the tribe. Sex among this tribe has very little privacy and begins at a young age of 7-9. They had a natural and self-conscious attitude towards sex and their usual goal of intercourse is orgasm for both
12). What is ok for one to do is not acceptable for another to do although they are equal. This standard is upheld by media on almost every outlet. This can range from women showing off their sexuality to the men being praised for sleeping around or having lots of women around him in one setting. An outside source goes on to state “Under the rubric of the sexual double standard, highly sexually active men are praised or rewarded with high status, whereas highly sexually active women are derogated or suffer a damaged reputation” (Marks, 2008, Pg. 84). In the society we live in a man can have a many sexual partners as he pleases and studies actually show that men do report having more sexual partners than women (Chapter 12). Not only is it glorified and encouraged but there are some countries that practice polygyny which is when a man has more than one wife making it acceptable in various cultures. There are instances where a woman has multiple husbands as well and this is referred to polyandry. A woman’s sexuality is always glorified and placed on a peddle stool in some cases. Men love to admire the female body like to cat call when they see something they like. However, if and when a woman acts in the sexual manner that men glorify them to be in, then the woman is looked at
Polygamous marriages in Tibet were the basis of an article by Melvyn Goldstein, the articles specific focus was on a unique type of marriage they practice called fraternal polyandry where several Tibetan brothers marry one wife. Age determination is the method in which each brother is place; sexual aspects of the marriage are age-related as well as how children are treated within family groups. Discussed also within the article was family planning and how these polyandry marriage are celebrated.
A sensitive subject, in the Islamic religion, is the status that a women holds - specifically with respect to the theme of how women are treated within polygamous relationships. Smith’s main thesis is that the Islamic religion has been accused of degrading women and he plans to share information to prove that this is a very valid fact. A polygamous relationship is a relationship or marriage with many partners. The Islam’s believe in polygamous relationships and the rules are specifically stated within the Koran. The Koran allows for a man to have up to four wives/partners, although, if he cannot equally share his love with all of his wives/partners, then he must only marry one . Smith has a very valid point, although there are many sources that support and refute his opinion. Mohammad Ali Syed discovered that the Islamic law allows for polygamy under certain circumstances, such as the treatment towards orphans. ...
Then the article connects to how fraternal polyandry is similar to nineteenth century marriage in England. Even though they are similar, Tibetan “believe that in this way fraternal polyandry reduces risk of fission, monogamous marriage among brother need to necessarily precipitate the division of family estate” (“When Brothers Share a Wife”). Then the article goes into how the author of this article, Melvyn C. Goldstein, asked the Tibetan people on why they marry this way. Some said it makes the family more stable and other said that is keeps conflict from affecting
Polygamy in Islam serves a strictly religious purpose. Polygamy was a way of life until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. When the earth was young and under-populated, polygamy was one way of populating it and bringing in the human beings needed to carry out God's plan. By the time the Quran was revealed, the world had been sufficiently populated, and the Quran put down the first limitations against polygamy. Polygamy has become an established part of traditional Islamic law and practice; Muslims are accustomed to accepting that a man's right to more than one wife is firmly established in the Qur'an and the Hadith. Polygamy (specifically polygyny, the marriage of one man to many women) is thus considered unquestionably moral, even though it is obviously unfair; only men are allowed the privilege of it. However, a close study of the Qur'an can enable one to see that the Islamic ideal of marriage is monogamous, with only husband-wife pairs. In fact, the Qur'anic stance on polygamy is the same as its stance on slavery; both are objectionable on ethical grounds, but tolerated due to the particular circumstances of Muhammad's community.
The Western Religious leaders and moralists believe only one spouse for life is the highest form of marriage. Some of the most "primitive" peoples are strictly monogamous in their ideals, while some "highly advanced" cultures have moved away from the stri...
Mention the concept of polygamy in any “civilized” gathering, and you just may be able to see the shiver of repulsion that ripples through the crowd. By substituting the word “polyamory” in, you will be able to circumvent this reaction – but only because everyone is staring at you in baffled silence instead. So we begin, as always, with definitions.
“Polygamy is defined as a marriage in which a spouse of either gender has more than one mate at the same time. Polygamy is considered a valid form of marriage in many countries and communities around the globe” (Al-Krenawi). However, polygamy is illegal in the United States. Those who practice polygamy in America can only be “legally” married to one spouse; therefore, the subsequent spouses in a polygamist relationship hold a “singl...
“Polygyny is the marriage of one man to more than one woman at the same time” (Powell 167). This structure of marriage is prevalent among the families of Okonkwo’s village, and Okonkwo himself has three wives. A man with many wives was looked upon in a better light than a man with only one wife or no wife at all. In the novel, Okonkwo is said to have had a hard start as a young man because “he neither inherited a barn, nor a title, nor even a young wife” (Achebe 18). Men view wives as a means to gain titles and respect as well as extra labor power for thier combines. Women bring a number of benefits to a man: sexual services, reproductive power, labor, farms for women’s crops, in-laws with goods, land, and livestock. Men typically have only one wife if they lacked wealth (Amadiume 30-31). This is a feminist issue because the people of the village treat women as property that can be inherited. A feminist critic sees how polygyny devalues women and treats them the same as animals. According to Nigerian law, a woman is categorized “as an object who is not quite human” (Bazza 176). In Nigeria, if a woman is involved in polygyny and her husband divorces her for whatever reason, she cannot remarry and often turns to prostitution or extreme poverty for herself and her children (Kunhiyop 44). There is no good that comes from polygyny for
Polygamy causes children to grow up faster than needed, experiencing adult like experiences. Becoming married as young as fourteen, and marrying a man that ages much older. Escaping a polygamous community clearly depicts a difficult task, as much as this idea appears to be emphasized and craved for, women are too afraid. Attempting to escape means risking the chance of them getting caught and taken away from their own children. They are deprived of their money and therefore, if they escape successfully, then they are already homeless. Competing for the attention and respect from the husband depicts a conflict many wives’ face. The social status of wives’ go down once the husband no longer longs for affection. Children are victims of both, physical and sexual abuse from father or other family members. Family members could also include step-family members. The abuse that these children face often cause them to have anxiety in the
A second point raised during the reading which exemplifies gender inequality tendencies of the society includes polygamy. In the story, after Modou and Binetou’s marriage, the guests go to Ramatoulaye’s house for a surprise visit. Tamsir, Modou’s older brother, tells Ramatoulaye that “God intended [Modou] to have a second wife” and that “there is nothing he can do about it” (Bâ, 2008, p. 38). He soon continued by saying that “a wife owes her husband [happiness]”