Table of Contents
What is the main reason for polygamy?
There are many reasons that people may engage in polygamy. These reasons may be religious or societal purposes, including stability, security, companionship, economic resources, reproduction, or love. Historically, polygamy was practiced to protect widows and orphans during war times.
How is polygamy viewed in today’s society?
Having more than one wife or husband is ideal in that, if one spouse passes away, children are left under the custody of the remaining spouses. In addition, polygamy unites more than three families within the society. It enhances cooperation between individual families hence improving social integration.
How does polygamy affect woman?
Individual studies report a higher prevalence of somatization, depression, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism and psychiatric disorder in polygynous wives as well as reduced life and marital satisfaction, problematic family functioning and low self-esteem.
What do students think when polygamy comes up?
I then follow-up by asking, “ Which men?” It quickly becomes apparent that when polygamy comes up, most students are thinking only of the high status guy who is adding yet another desirable woman to his harem, and that they are also thinking about the women who are forced to share him with each other.
Is polygamy a good or bad thing for men?
Indeed, even today, unmarried men are overrepresented as both perpetrators and victims of violent crimes such as assault and homicide. This line of reasoning leads me to conclude that polygamy was a good situation for a very few privileged men, but an absolute nightmare for most.
Is polygamy legal in the United States?
The U.S. government made polygamy illegal in response to the LDS Church, and the church outlawed the practice in 1890. Some small groups that split from the LDS Church still practice polygamy. Around the world, the legal status of polygamy varies. Societies either outlaw, accept or encourage polygamy.
Are men shut out of the mating game under polygamy?
No one, however, seems to be thinking about the great many men who get shut out of the mating game entirely under this sort of polygamous system. Sexual competition for mates has always been more intense for males than for females, especially in ancestral polygamous societies.