Polygamy continues to elicit mixed reactions in most societies, with a number of opponents arguing the demerits of such unions, while the proponents argue its merits. Although a number of merited arguments for polygamy have been put forward over the years, there is no denying that the negative impact of such a practice on the concerned women and children outweigh its potential benefits.
Polygamous marriages are common in the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and Africa, although they are also observable in North America, Europe and other Western countries. Polygamy usually occurs in a number of forms, either as polygyny, polyandry or polygynandry, although polygyny is usually the most common form. The practice normally raises a number of ethical and moral questions, especially regarding the degree of accountability and responsibility individuals involved in such marriages have towards their many spouses and children if any. In addition, such marriages, common in certain cultures, challenge the universal and legal notion of marriage: that it is a legal union between one man and one woman.
As such, a majority of opponents to such unions argue that they are not only illegal, but also subject the multiple spouses and children to unnecessary psychological and social strain. However, in societies that value polygamy, proponents equate the multiple spouses and children to wealth, even going to the extent of advocating for its legalization.
Proponents of polygamy argue that in addition to the obvious benefits such as the easy sharing of chores and child rearing, polygamy also offers an alternative to divorce in cases of infertility. Furthermore, certain religions such as Mormon fundamentalists advocate for the practice, similar to a number of cults, cultures and religion, on the basis of subjective beliefs and values. For instance, Mormons believe that marrying 3 wives guarantees a higher status in the spiritual realm, hence making it part of their religious practices. Therefore, proponents of polygamy argue that it should be legalized, as not doing so amounts to undermining their beliefs, practices and values.
In order to protect the sanctity of marriage and safeguard women against any form of exploitation, a majority of opponents to polygamy are advocating against the practice. Most of such advocates argue that it not only undermines the concept of loyalty in marriage and serves to deny the multiple spouses their individual rights, but may also deny potential offspring the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Furthermore, in most cases, due to the huge number of children often born in such families, a majority are not well taken care of, missing out on very basic amenities. In addition, such opponents also point to research findings that indicate that children and wives in polygamous families are likely to experience a number of psychological and social impacts. Particularly, it was found to lead to co-wife jealousy, unequal distribution of emotional and household resources, as well as competition among others. Polygamy is also associated with an increased number of cases of mental illness as well as other emotional, behavioral and physical problems amongst women and children.
References
Al-Krenawi, A., & Slonim-Nevo, V. (2008). Psychosocial and familial functioning of children from polygynous and monogamous families. The Journal of Social Psychology, 148(6), 745+. Web.
Duncan, E. J. (2008). The positive effects of legalizing polygamy: “love is a many splendored thing”. Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy, 15(2), 315+. Web.
Tabi, M., Doster, C., & Cheney, T. (2010). A qualitative study of women in polygynous marriages. International Nursing Review, 57(1), 121-127. Web.