Polygyny
Polygyny is a specific form of polygamy where one man has multiple wives, distinguishing it from polyandry, which involves one woman marrying multiple husbands. Historically, polygyny has been practiced in various cultures and religions, often seen as acceptable while polyandry was typically regarded as adulterous. In many societies, the first wife held a primary role, often overseeing the other wives, with the structure aiming to ensure social stability and population growth, particularly during times of conflict. While polygyny is not legally recognized in many Western nations, it may still occur in informal partnerships, where one legally married spouse may engage in additional unregistered unions. Cultures that permit polygyny, such as some Islamic communities, often have stipulations regarding a man's ability to support multiple wives financially. The topic has gained contemporary visibility through media representations, such as the reality show "Sister Wives," which explores the lives of a polygynous family in America. Overall, polygyny remains a complex social arrangement that encompasses various cultural practices, legal challenges, and individual experiences.
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Polygyny
The main category of polygamy includes polygyny. The overall term plural marriage may also apply to forms of polygamy. Polygamy means having multiple spouses; this may apply to men having more than one wife or women having more than one husband. In polygyny, one man has multiple wives. Polyandry involves a marriage between one woman and multiple husbands. The most common of the polygamous relationships is polygyny. Where polygyny is outlawed, becoming married to a person when he or she is married to someone else carries the charge of bigamy.
Overview
Historically, many ancient cultures and religions practiced polygyny. In most instances, polygyny was acceptable when polygamy was practiced, but not polyandry, which was deemed adulterous. In other cultures, like China, a system of polygyny existed, but it was more akin to concubinage. The first wife was the only one recognized as wife; the other wives were known as "aunt" or "little mother." Generally, polygynous marriages held the first wife as the main wife; she had an authoritative role over the others. Polygyny was a way to ensure that women would not be left on their own. Additionally, they would be able to provide numerous children during wartime, which would also serve to keep male population figures up if there were losses when falling in battle.
A polygamous marriage is not legal in America. However, there are polygamous partnerships that are entered into without these unions recognized by the state. In many instances, a man may marry one wife legally, registering the marriage, and then proceed to have a marriage ceremony with other women. The additional marriages are not registered according to the law. Given the children that arise out of these marriages, the women other than the first wife often register themselves as single parents and apply to the government for welfare benefits. Polygynous marriages generally take place within a certain religious sect. Some divisions of the Mormon Church are known to have polygynous family structures, though this is not considered mainstream as the practice was terminated in 1945. Islam permits multiple wives, but this may depend on the man’s financial status since he would have to house and feed all his wives.
In natural wildlife, polygynous relationships exist with the mating of single males of the species with multiple females. The female has one spouse only and is particular as to whom she chooses to be the one. This elicits a great deal of competition among the males who fight for their partner at the time of the breeding season. The purpose of the males garnering many partners is in order to produce many offspring. The female, however, hovers over her brood paying close attention to them as the dominant caring parent.
The reality T.V. show Sister Wives has raised awareness about polygynous marriage in America. Kody Brown and his four wives, living in Utah and then Nevada, comprise one legal marriage and the others—they define—as spiritual unions. The family faced an investigation by Utah in 2010, moving as a result to Las Vegas, Nevada. Charges would have pertained to the criminal act according to state and federal law of being married to more than one person.
Bibliography
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