What is polygamy?
Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses at the same time. The most common forms are polygyny, where a man has multiple wives, and polyandry, where a woman has multiple husbands. Polygamy has been practiced in various cultures throughout history, but is illegal in most countries today.
Is polygamy legal?
No, polygamy is illegal in the majority of countries worldwide. In the United States, polygamy is illegal in all 50 states. Polygamy is still practiced legally in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, even in countries where polygamy is permitted, it is often restricted or practiced unofficially.
Some key facts about the legality of polygamy:
- Polygamy is illegal in Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe.
- It is punishable by up to 5 years in prison in the UK.
- Polygamy is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both in China and India.
- Several states in Malaysia and Indonesia restrict or ban the practice of polygamy.
Overall, there has been a global trend towards outlawing polygamy, with it now being illegal or restricted in the vast majority of developed nations. However, it persists in some developing regions, often informally.
What are some potential dangers of polygamy?
While some argue that consenting adults should be free to engage in polygamy if they choose, there are several potential dangers associated with the practice that should be considered:
Physical and mental health risks
Studies show those in polygamous relationships often face higher risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health issues. The stress of power dynamics, competition between spouses, and lack of intimacy can take a psychological toll. There may also be a higher prevalence of domestic violence and abuse.
In addition, the sexual health risks are greater with multiple concurrent partners. STIs can spread more rapidly with a larger sexual network. Access to healthcare is often poorer in the marginalized polygamous communities where the practice continues.
Risks to children
Children raised in polygamous families are more likely to experience abuse, neglect, and trauma according to research. With less financial resources and paternal attention per child, their welfare suffers. Education is often cut short, particularly for girls. Social isolation and stigma can also negatively impact the psychosocial development of children in polygamous communities.
Lack of equal rights for women
Polygamy has deep patriarchal roots, and the majority of modern instances involve a man marrying multiple women (polygyny). This can enable men to abuse their dominance over emotionally and financially vulnerable women. Women in polygamous marriages have higher rates of depression, lower autonomy, and less say over household decision making based on studies.
Social costs
Allowing polygamy has high social and economic costs for societies according to research. With some men taking multiple wives, many low-status men are unable to find partners, leading to negative effects such as increased crime and violence. Polygamy also correlates with higher rates of poverty, hindering economic development. There are also greater costs for public welfare and social services.
Why do people practice polygamy?
If polygamy has so many inherent risks and downsides, why do some people voluntarily engage or remain in plural marriages? Reasons can include:
- Religion or culture: Polygamy is an accepted practice in certain religions (e.g. Islam) and cultures (e.g. parts of Sub-Saharan Africa). Many follow the tradition they grew up with.
- Economic benefits: Marrying multiple spouses can expand family labor and reduce costs by pooling resources.
- High status symbol: Wealthier, more powerful men often gain social status and prestige by having multiple wives.
- Providing support: Some women may opt to become a second wife to gain the financial stability or protection of a wealthy man if they lack other opportunities.
- Alternative lifestyle: A small minority in the West practice polygamy by choice as an alternative relationship model.
However, critics point out many who engage in polygamous marriages do so due to social coercion or lack of other viable options rather than free choice. Education and empowerment may allow both women and men to reject harmful practices like polygamy.
What are the effects of banning polygamy?
Many developed countries have entirely outlawed the practice of polygamy. What impact does this legal prohibition have?
Reduces associated harms
Studies show banning polygamy and enforcing monogamy does help reduce some of the physical and psychological harms associated with plural marriages for women and children. It also lowers social problems like crime linked to polygynous societies.
Drives the practice underground
However, making polygamy illegal often just drives it underground. Bans can lead polygamists to hide their illegal relationships and avoid government oversight or services. Seeking justice for abuse becomes more difficult.
Social exclusion
Where polygamy is banned but still practiced covertly, women and children in polygamous communities tend to become marginalized and socially excluded. This compounds the risks and lack of resources they face.
Mixed effects on rights
Outlawing polygamy can expand rights for some women, like establishing the necessity of female consent for marriage. But critics argue enforcement often limits the rights of polygamous families to live according to their beliefs and make their own choices regarding marriage.
How can the harms of polygamy be reduced?
Rather than an outright ban, a harm reduction approach may help address the dangers of ongoing polygamy while supporting victims. This could involve:
- Decriminalizing plural marriage but denying legal benefits. This reduces stigma so victims can access help.
- Increasing resources for women’s education, empowerment and social inclusion in polygamous communities.
- Allowing victims to retain custody of their children if leaving polygamy.
- Funding specialized social services to help polygamous families in need.
- Protecting the economic and inheritance rights of all spouses.
A nuanced, culturally-sensitive approach is needed – banning all polygamy often does more harm than good. But any form of legalized polygamy should come with robust protections and oversight.
Ultimately, the priority should be supporting the safety, wellbeing, equality and human rights of women and children within polygamous relationships.
Key Statistics on Polygamy and Associated Harms
| Impact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Mental health | Women in polygamous marriages have a 50-100% higher risk of depressive disorders based on studies. |
| Domestic violence | One study found 63% of women in polygamous relationships experience domestic violence. |
| Access to healthcare | Polygamous communities have 60% less access to medical services according to WHO estimates. |
| Education | Girls in polygamous families receive 2-3 fewer years of education on average. |
| Life satisfaction | Women in polyandrous marriages report 70% lower life satisfaction compared to monogamous women in studies. |
| Income | Polygamous families have 30-40% less monthly income per capita than monogamous households on average. |
Case Studies on Polygamy
Nigeria
In Nigeria, polygyny is very common – 43% of married women are in polygamous marriages according to government data. Reasons include strong cultural traditions, the economic benefits of large families, and Islam which permits men up to four wives.
However, women in polygamous marriages face higher rates of illnesses like HIV/AIDS due to the greater risk of unprotected sex. only 50% of Nigerian polygamists report regularly using condoms with their secondary partners. Women often cannot negotiate protection. Nigerian polygamous wives also commonly report emotional distress, inequality, and domestic abuse.
United States
It’s estimated over 50,000 people are involved in fundamentalist Mormon polygamous communities in the US, with the tradition continuing despite nationwide bans. Women who leave these communities report high rates of sexual and physical abuse.
The inherently patriarchal nature of these groups often leaves women with limited education, job skills, or financial resources if escaping plural marriages. However, support networks and targeted social services are expanding to help victims transition to safer environments.
Canada
Canada had an estimated 33,000 practicing polygamists in 2019 following waves of fundamentalist Mormon immigration from the US. While polygamy was criminalized in Canada in 1890, the law was rarely enforced.
However in 2011 the British Columbia Supreme Court upheld Canada’s polygamy ban on the basis it prevents harm against women, children, and society. But some argue enforcement should focus on abuse cases, not consenting adult relationships that do not cause harm.
Conclusion
Polygamy is rife with dangers that disproportionately impact women and children. Concerns range from mental and physical health risks, lack of equal rights, child welfare issues, and societal harms. However, outright banning polygamy has questionable effectiveness and ethics.
Harm reduction approaches centered on human rights, social inclusion, public health, and support for those seeking to leave polygamy voluntarily may ultimately be more constructive than criminalization. But more research is still needed on how to facilitate the cultural shift away from polygamy while protecting victims.