Warfare in Polygamy
Introduction
Marriage is a universal trait of human kinship and social organization. It probably developed very early in the course of human social history. In human society, several cultures have used marriage to carry out some widespread functions. Some people are married because of love or romance. Yet, others are married for economic security, economic contribution, heritage, or political reason. However, in spite of these general features, different cultures have developed different pattern of regulations and customs that determine prohibitions and preferences for marriage partners. These regulations and customs are also helped to shape expectations between spouses and in-laws
Monogamy is the major form of marriage and is closely associated with most societies of Europe and Asia, while polygyny is found in traditional societies such as Africa. According to "The History of Human Marriage," monogamy, always the predominant form of marriage, has been more prevalent at the lowest stages of civilization than at somewhat higher stages; whilst, at a still higher stage, polygyny has again, to a great extent, yielded to monogamy" (Westermarck, 505). Yet, some polygyny can be found in more advanced societies such as Eurasia. Other regions that are associated with polygyny include Circum-Mediterranean, Insular Pacific, North America, and South America. However, the percentage of occurrence is very different in each society. Because polygyny in different society serves a different purpose, the causation for participation in collective fighting in polygyny of different society will be different.
For instance, in Africa, plural marriage is far more general. According "the Factors of Polygamy in African...
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...ly support that the causation for women to participate in collective fighting will differentiate across societies and countries.
Reference
DorJahn, V. "The Factors of Polygamy in African Demography." Continuity and Change in African Cultures.In Herskovits, M., and Bascom, W. (eds.), Chicago: 1959, p. 125-158.
Goody, Jack. "Polygyny, Economy and the Role of Women." The Character Of Kinship.Cambridge University Press, London: 1973, p.175-189.
Spencer, Paul. "Polygyny as a Measure of Social Differentiation in Africa." ASA Essay in Social Anthropology.Institute For the Study of Human Issues Publisher, Philadelphia: v.3, 1980, p.117-160.
Westermarck, E. the History of Human Marriage.London, 1893.
White, Douglas R. "Rethinking Polygyny" Current Anthropology.The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, The U.S., V 29, No 4, 1988, p. 529-571.
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies. No. 3 (1965): 524-540. http://www.jstor.org/stable/612097 (accessed December 1, 2013).
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...
There is one day out of the year when you see sights of couples everywhere: Valentine’s Day. You see individuals out in stores buying roses, large teddy bears and grabbing the last remaining chocolate candy boxes that are left on the shelves. But if you are imagining a man and a woman as the couple you’re visioning, you are in for a surprise. A man and a woman isn’t the only way to go through life as how a couple should look. In fact, it is estimated over 100,000 monogamous people in the Unites States are performing polygamy secretly with their partner’s full permission. These popular nonmonogamous relationships do not match to the cultural norm of a loving couple in love for life. One of the most difficult aspects of multiculturalism is the determination to adapt to some cultural groups’ needs involving certain traditional practices that might clash with the ideas of multiculturalism and self-governing civil rights. Normally, many of these exercises have religious roots, but these are not limited. Some important cases are certain rights of opening exercises: spiritual and religious. For most of the cases, a smaller group’s traditional exercises are against the norms of a typical society but also organize a substantial aspect of the way of life for that certain culture. Some samples of polygamy in Islam, female circumcision in Eastern Africa nations, or Ta-moko, as referred to as tattooing of the face, in the culture of Maori. The most crucial topic around these established practices in the multiculturalism debate is the idea of agreement. Yet, not all exercises are achieved with the agreement of the subjects. Some cultures and historic periods are seen to embrace polyamory, while other cul...
One custom of Umuofia that would be very different from Western culture is Polygamy, the practice of having many wives. This custom is practiced in the connected nine villages of Umuofia. In fact, a man's wealth is partially measured by the number of wives he has. A wealthy man described in Things Fall Apart, had nine wives and thirty children. Okonkwo had three wives and eight children.
Fletcher-Stack, Peggy. “Polygamy: Not as Rare as You May Think.” Beliefnet. Beliefnet, Inc., 2011. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. .
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.
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
Marriage is an important aspect in kinship. Marriage is normally understood as the linking of men and women, but this may not always be the case. An example of this is Nuer where marriages can occur between women. There are three different types of marriages; monogamy, where a man marries a woman; polygyny, where man can marry two or more women, and polyandry, where a woman can...
Several studies have shown that polygamy is more likely to present harmful effects, especially towards women and children, then monogamy. Women in polygamous marriages are at higher risk of low self-esteem, and depression, then women in non-polygamous relationships. Other studies show that polygamy can be detrimental to women’s overall marital satisfaction. This only heightens during a women’s pregnancy. Women are more likely to feel vulnerable or depression while pregnant, because their husbands become more likely to pay attention to the other (non-pregnant) wives. Women in polygamous marriages have no opinion when it comes to deciding on the number of wives her husband adds to their family. This forced passivity contributing to feelings of powerlessness and emotional abuse. Polygamy can be physically damaging as well as emotional; Women in polygamous marriages are at a greater risk of contracting sexual diseases, including AIDS. Men in polygamous marriages are more likely to partake in extramarital sex and are at greater risk of contracting sexual diseases and infecting their wives. The wives are not the only ones affected by polygamy; children from polygamous families may be at a greater risk of several harmful effects. For example, research has shown that it is more common for children of polygamous families to be exposed to a higher incidence of marital conflict, family violence, and family disruptions than children of monogamous families’. As a result, children from polygamous marriages are at a greater risk of both behavioral and developmental problems. As you can see, there are numerous factors that prove polygamy among marriage can be damaging emotionally and physically on both the wives, and children
When it comes to the topic of marriage, different cultures have different customs. Some of these customs have changed over the years and some have stayed the same. One type of marriage that interests me is arranged marriage and why there are arranged marriages still going on today. That is why I have chosen to write about them in this paper and discuss why they were/are an important staple in certain cultures.
Johnson, Diane. Traditional Marriage in Africa: The Dowry. 7 October 2010. 11 May 2011 .
Marriage is termed as a legitimate commitment or social establishment which unites two people mutually as husband and wife. The agreement ascertains privileges and responsibilities amid spouses, spouses and children and spouses and in-laws. Marriage is deemed to be a momentous union in every society. It is significant in terms of providing security, emotional support and fulfilling economic, social, cultural and physical needs. These needs are the natural cravings of young adults that drive them towards matrimony. It is a foundation that is based on personal responsibilities which form the backbone of civilizations.
This paper explores and distinguishes different marriage practices across the globe. My goal is for the reader to be able to analyze each culture, and their customs, and be able to distinguish differences between the two. I have compiled a plethora of information from the provided resources. I met the limited requirements by using three of the sixteen provided for my use. I used the three sources to gain further knowledge about the subject at hand. Two of the three articles were used to compare different cultural marriage practices, whilst the third was used to differentiate the two, and show why I think diversity is vital in modern globalization.
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.
Polygamy is becoming a part of the question, Is this is an alternative lifestyle that should be allowed? There are television shows and criminal cases about polygamy ( Kiesbye). Some common tv shows about polygamy are Sister Wives and Big Love. Since this is a new upcoming type of marriage the tv shows are showing all the good parts about polygamy ,or “fluffing” it up, rather than show any negatives aspects about it. There are multiple things associated with polygamy not just the side where all the family members are happy. There is a darker side to polygamy that the media has not been showng. Polygamy is deleterious to marriage and society because women are treated horribly unequally and horribly during marriage, children are abused, and