PDF African Polygamy: Past and Present Case 2: A man whose wife becomes chronically ill would have one of the possible alternatives: He may suppress his instinctive sexual needs for the rest of his life, or ; He may divorce his sick wife at the time when she needs his compassion most, and get married . Care/custody of ch. Protecting his unions by registering them, regardless of how they married is necessary. Tweet Share Comment . African polygamy: Past and present - ScienceDirect . Polygamy is very common in the animist and Muslim communities of West Africa. I also think that the importance or the benefit of polygamy should be addressed so that people can change their negative perceptions regarding polygamy. Polyandry is becoming the latest trend is South Africa Two is company, three is a Crowd. Polygamy is a phenomenon often associated with African people. Answer (1 of 4): I am going to state the advantages of an egalitarian polygamy, not one sided polygamy (polygyny). The polygamy of your forefathers ensured that the community is economically stable. Polygamy has been cited as a possible contributor to Africa's low savings rates (Tertilt, 2005), widespread incidence of HIV (Brahmbhatt et al., 2002), high levels of child mortality (Strassmann . POLYGAMY AND CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA T A Falaye, Ph.D Department Of Religious Studies Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State, Nigeria ABSTRACT: Whereas it is believed erroneously among many people that Polygamy implies the art of a man being married to more than one wife, the true definition of polygamy implies the idea of a man being married to more than one wife (Polygamy) or a . Several societies practice levirate marriage, which inadvertently leads to polygamy in many cases. In most West African countries, polygamy is also recognised and regulated by the civil law . Thanks! These have rendered/ is rendering polygamy useless. For these reasons, there has been very little research done on polygamy within the Hmong culture. Advantage: STD-Less. Contibution of income 4. The advantages of polygamy include; availability of free labor from the children in farms, it is a source of pride and parents get to have their younger children when they are old. Christian missionary activities have also largely attempted to eradicate the practice. Overall the polygamy in Africa is a very common practice that you are going to find all over Africa, but it tends to be more popular especially in the West African countries. It is easier to achieve complete faithfulness and trust. Districts of French West Africa that received more colonial teachers and parts of sub-Saharan Africa that received Protestant or Catholic missions have lower polygamy rates in the present. 1. With that, polygamy has existed all over Africa because it represents aspects of their religion and culture. The relationship holds for female-centered definitions of polygyny (the percentage of women with one or more co-wives) as well as . Therefore, I assume it is out of . This simply means that both husband and wife have the responsibility to keep their sex lives transparent. Con: 1. It has both cultural and religious origins. By Tim Harford. Though the majority of the women disapproved of polygyny unions, divorce was not an option. Many national governments, particularly in Africa, have attempted to outlaw polygamy. Polygamy from a biological and psychological point of view is attractive to men and has a number of advantages unlike monogamy and there are very few shortcomings. Polygamy is a phenomenon often associated with African people. Feb 18, 2006 2:27 AM. The converse of monogamy is polygamy or the shared condition of being a wife or husband. What are the reasons for polygamy? It becomes easier to build mutual confidence. Polyandry: See why South Africa new marriage act dey propose women to marry more than one husband - BBC News Pidgin BBC News, Pidgin TABLE OF CONTENT NO. The advantages of polygamy: Care, warmth and affection provided by wives or mistresses. Regions in West Africa that are predominantly Muslim allow polygamy. Polygamy has got several disadvantages as compared to its advantages and for this reason; there are some countries where the government has illegalized the issue of polygamy. Goody says, "The reasons behind polygyny are sexual and reproductive rather than economic and productive" (1973:189), arguing that men marry polygynously to maximize their fertility and to obtain large households containing many young dependent males. This can be seen in the Siwai culture in the South Pacific especially since women are the workers for their agriculture. The purpose of this research was to qualitatively examine whether polygamy has an effect on Hmong individuals and what these effects may be as reported by the participants. Polygamy is illegal and criminalized across Europe and the Americas, as well as in China, Australia, and other countries. 1 Several mechanisms have been proposed linking polygamy to slow growth, including low savings rates (Tertilt, 2005), reduced investment in girls' human capital (Edlund and Lagerlöf, 2006), and diminished labor supply of unmarried men (Edlund and Lagerlöf, 2012).In the "polygamy belt" stretching from Senegal to Tanzania . Yet, polygamy is seen as acceptable. Polygamy, polygyny, and polyandry are terms that are often inaccurately interchanged with one another. Polyandry can also refer, in the broadest sense, to being involved in . Let us look at how this works. South Africa's law requires a . Polygyny has several economic, social, and . In . POLYGAMY CREATES a clear social order, with distinct winners and losers. To Africans including Liberians, the institution of polygyny (polygamy) is nothing strange. Since most polygamist marriages are based primarily on . Some people also fear the financial consequences of divorce and therefore stay married to their partners. See Answer . Polygamy is an alternative to divorce in case of some marital problems. Contribution of real property and other assets 3. - Polygamy allows more women to have a husband, and not left being single. The other half have a . The pros and cons are often debated, and a case can . Because polygamy can be very good or important in some societies. 1. From a health perspective, one of the big advantages of monogamy is the reduced risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV, gonorrhea and herpes. The perceived advantages of polygyny included sharing of house chores and child rearing. According to Islamic doctrine, a man is allowed to have up to four wives. Natural experiments that have expanded education in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Kenya have not reduced polygamy. Even so, there are many instances of polygamy in the West, especially . This . Some societies view men with having multiple wives as a symbol of power and wealth. Even so, there are many instances of polygamy in the West, especially . 1. Although polygamy is the act of an individual being married to more than one spouse at the same time, the more commonly practiced in Africa is polygyny "….the legal marriage of . Polygyny was the acceptable form of marriage in Africa prior to the arrival of the colonizers and Christianity. It was prestigeous to have many wives. So many cultural groups still believe in a man having multiple wives. Instead of divorcing a sick or infertile wife, Islam permits a man to marry another woman while taking care of the first if she chooses to stay with him. (1) Polygyny checks sexual immorality because the husband gets adequate satisfaction of his sexual urge in the company of number of wives. According . This ethnic group is the largest made up of about 8 million people. There are ways to get STDS other than sex, such as intravenous drug use in the case of HIV. There were points of conflict in terms of marriage where the Islamic and traditional beliefs support polygamy while Christian beliefs support monogamy against polygamy. In the Sahel region of Africa, half of all women live in polygynous households. What are the advantages of polygamy? At that time the black African bishops present were a tiny minority (in 1888 only Bishop Crowther of Niger was present). Polygamy is decreasing in Africa not so much becaus e of western intervention as it is the changing economy and the overall prevailing cultural climate. The economic case for polygamy. Natural experiments that have expanded education in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Kenya have not reduced polygamy. A dominant male wins because he can reproduce with as many females as he can reasonably control. Advantages and Disadvantages 3 - 6 3. Scholars of the African traditional family agree that the one widely known aspect that distinguishes the African traditional family, say from the European one, is the perversity of polygamy3. The other disadvantage . For example in Senegal there are almost 47% of the marriages where they feature more than one woman. So, with . Colonial . The legal status of polygamy varies widely around the world.Polygyny is legal in 58 out of nearly 200 sovereign states, the vast majority of them being Muslim-majority countries in Africa and Asia. The marriage green paper is a by-product of extensive talks regarding the new marriage law and has led the South African government to consider a new marriage law that will recognise women with multiple husbands in a practice called Polyandry. Many look at it as a family where there are multiple wives, others see it as a plural or group marriage. Most people search for more excitement outside their marriage since adultery isn't a legal or an open option. But, if these changes go through, dis go be a big first for Africa. sub-Saharan Africa. Polygamy is illegal and criminalized across Europe and the Americas, as well as in China, Australia, and other countries. The benefits of polygamy to the family, self and community are greater than the negatives, even though we can't always understand them. Polygamy remains common in much of Africa.1 In the "polygamy belt" stretching from Senegal to Tanzania, it is common for more than one third of married women to be polygamous (Jacoby, 1995). The interview was complemented by observation in the collection of . Polygamy can help with societal issues and population changes as well as provide care for those in need. In 1978, black bishops from Africa numbered about 880. It is ultimately interesting that right now, in a democratic South Africa Polyandry is unacceptable considering so many cultural groups still abide by their traditional values. Introduction 2 2. A strong argument of weather the subject is right or wrong.Written and directed. This practice is very common among the animist and the Muslim communities. Polygamy has always remained a sensitive and controversial topic for the Hmong community. The practice is discouraged, however, if the man is unable to act justly and treat all of his wives fairly. If so, why; if not why not? Self-Reflection on the topic 7 4. Opinion - The concept of polygamy is viewed differently by various scholars. To Social . African marriage is, to be sure, more than just a substitute for a tenancy contract. indeed, supporting polygamy is a sensible thing to do because men already like having many partners, it enhances personal freedom, helps to prevent or minimize adultery, is an integral part of some culture, was practiced by great men of christianity and islam and other religions, helps to decrease the number of single women in society, helps men … Polyandry is defined as a form of polygamy in which a woman has more than one husband. Polygyny has several economic, social, and health advantages over monogamy. List of Pros of Polygamy 1. Study now. 3. Polygamy still exists as either being recognized . The Zulu culture emerged during the 16th century. One of these forms is that there is no special exclusiveness on either side; no man has an exclusive relationship with any particular woman, and no woman is exclusively tied to any man. Wife, husband and children get undivided love. Makes it easier to bring up children in a healthy and peaceful atmosphere. TITLE PAGE NO. Whether it's a one-man/multiple women relationship, polyandry, or group marriage, one of the benefits of polygamy (when looking at the pros and cons of the practice), is the low risk of getting bored. Conclusion 8 5. By Clement Sadjere | Submitted On February 24, 2011. - There are no mistresses, the 2nd, 3rd or 4th wives have the same rights as the first wife and not left to be mis-treated and abandoned as mistresses are. In almost all African societies, polygamy is an acceptable and valid form of marriage in fact, monogamy has been associated . One of the most essential items normally required in most traditional marriages in Africa, is the Dowry. Box 1320, Mutare ABSTRACT The study investigates the link between polygamy and academic performance in Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect in Marange, Mutare District. It ensures that widows and their children receive support. (citation needed) A number of countries permit polygyny among Muslims in their communities.In countries that ban polygamy, the offence is commonly.An . The study followed a mixed method research design. However, the consensus is that polygyny can flourish only in the context of gender inequality. Polygamy would have the advantage of preserving the marital relationship without depriving the man of fathering children of his own. In most cultures, women contribute significantly to the wealth of the household and can thus materially benefit from the labour of an additional spouse. What are the advantages and disadvantages of polygamy? This custom allows a man to have as many wives as he can support. There are several benefit for polygamy such as, sharing household workload, socializing with other women. In one sided polygamy such as where only the men get to have multiple wives provide privilege for the men and create unequal power distribution in marriage, which is often abusive. . Where mortality rates of men consistently exceed those of women, polygyny can be seen as a resolution to the "deficit" of males and the "surplus" of females. By doing so, each partner is accountable in his/ her undertaking, which promote peaceful co-existence. 1. Introduction. (2) It brings economic stability in the family, because both husband and his wives and children earn something for the family. Let's be honest. It is relatively high . An increase in polygamy is found in other societies where there is a high male mortality rate due to war. Your Forefathers didn't see women as objects to collect in quantities just to oppress or show off. Polygamy is a centuries-old practice in Africa that has yet to disappear from modern life. Abstract. 1. These are not the main functions. Finally, there is no denying the fact that some may engage in polygamy for exploiting the sexual advantages that it may have to provide. The first disadvantage of polygamy is due to the fact that it leads to divided attention and love among couples. There are two kinds of polygamy: polygyny (a man having an affair with more than one woman) and polyandry (a woman in a relationship with more than one man). The women's ways of coping included the use of religion, faith and a strong sisterly bond formed with the co-wives. Polygyny is a union which one man . Polygamy and poverty are both widespread in Africa. expose our African weaknesses at Lambeth is a shame.' But Lambeth discussed polygamy as early as 1888 and again in 1908, 1920, 1958 and 1968. Polygamy of either sort is far less common than it used to be, and is now concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Polygamy is still prominent in African countries and especially the sub-Saharan Africa, despite the challenges that this type of institution poses. 2. Polygamy in Igbo Culture. Polygamy has been illegal for Indian Hindus from 1955. Africa University P.O. The solution to unfaithful unions Polygamy helps to reduce cases of cheating within the household. In fact it is widely practices nowadays, not only in Malaysia but also every other country . Polygamy and poverty are both widespread in Africa. I find no evidence of a causal effect of modern education on polygamy. Marriage and divorce are not currently designed to accomodate more than 50% shares. Although such state is shunned by many, it has existed for thousands of years now in various cultures around the world. Plagiarism report INTRODUCTION Polygamy is not a rare case in Malaysia. Polygamy has declined in the last decade but remains common in West Africa. Traditionally, most African societies have practiced a custom of polygyny or polygamy. Polygamous unions have been more present in Africa like no . #Polygamy#PolygamyInAfrica A documentary that talks about polygamy in Africa. Ultimately, wives in Islam are protected, cared for and treated with respect whether monogamous or polygamous. Polygamy. ADVERTISEMENTS: In our current state of the world, most marriages are just maintained since people are too lazy to divorce. It is quite unfair how ratios aren't balanced on both genders . ∙ 2010-08-01 06:31:43. This is where civil marriage in South Africa comes in handy as it works as a protection of some sort. 2(3)). It is legal in 26 out of 54 African countries, particularly . Wiki User. Advantages of a monogamous marriage. For example, 33% of women in Nigeria reported that their husbands have more than one wife (Demographic and Health Survey, 2013). To achieve intimate oneness for two persons. Districts of French West Africa that received more colonial teachers and parts of sub-Saharan Africa that received Protestant or Catholic missions have lower polygamy rates in the present. With the recognition of customary marriages act, it is important that the polygamous man takes care of his own family. Perversity of Polygamy. Below are some of the advantages of polygamy to the husband, wife, and society: Sexual satisfaction A man who has a relationship with several women at the same time satisfies many of his sexual needs and fantasies in this way. This is not to say that all women experience polygyny as exploitative or undesirable, In Senegal, for example, nearly 47 per cent of marriages are said to feature multiple women. It is the money usually given to the bride's family by the man who intends to marry the lady. In almost all African societies, polygamy is an acceptable and valid form of marriage in fact, monogamy has been associated . Impact of Polygamy Over the years, the impact of polygamy on society has been argued about. Moreover, if there has been a decline in polygamy in Africa and elsewhere, is it because of government policy and missionary activity, or might it have occurred for . Advantages And Disadvantages Of Polygamy 2142 Words | 9 Pages. Contribution of labor (cleaning, cooking) 2. Indeed, supporting polygamy is a sensible thing to do because men already like having many partners, it enhances personal freedom, helps to prevent or minimize adultery, is an integral part of some culture, was practiced by great men of Christianity and Islam and other religions, helps to decrease the number of single women in society, helps men with leadership ability, it indicates that men . These differences are universal. The trend over the past century has been toward limiting polygamy. Research shows that one of the reasons for cheating in marriages is boredom. South Africa prohibits bigamy in civil marriages, but allows for multiple customary marriages under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act (Art. Polygamy has gained popularity in South Africa due to the large inhabitants of Zulu people who practice this arrangement. References 9 6. Polygamy is the practice of having two or more partners, whether sexually or not. 1 Several mechanisms have been proposed linking polygamy to slow growth, including low savings rates (Tertilt, 2005), reduced investment in girls' human capital (Edlund and Lagerlöf, 2006), and diminished labor supply of unmarried men (Edlund and Lagerlöf, 2012).In the "polygamy belt" stretching from Senegal to Tanzania . So what are they? Tags Four Wives Marrying Multiple Women . Polygamy was practiced in the form of polygyny in the Zulu community. Polygamy, or the shared condition of being a wife or husband, can be envisaged in several forms. Men and women differ in their desire for sexual variety. Encourages gender equality Introduction. For a fact, your forefathers saw a woman as the main pillar that builds empires. The target population consisted of 89 polygamous families of Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect. Colonial . The Mormon Church also allowed polygamy until the late 19 th century, when it renounced the practice and now ex-communicates any members who practice it. Seven Reasons Why Dowry Is Essential in African Traditional Marriages. Meanwhile, people who justify polygamy as being cultural should be careful of such an argument as polyandry was also a part of certain cultures - not just in Africa but around the world. Have they been successful? Even in monogamous societies, men often enter into sexual relationships with other women who are not their wives. The Prophet Mohammed was in a monogamous relationship with his first wife but, upon her death was known to have had up to 10 wives (although not all simultaneously). As a matter of fact, the Settlers got involved in this practice of having more than one wife. What is the advantage of polygamy or polyandry? The teachings of Islam, including polygamy, conform to human nature. Paul Konye . Another benefit of polygamy is that there will be lower risk that people get bored in their marriage. The practice of polygamy in Nigeria is associated with economic and social values. Today in many west African countries, polygamy is common and legal, and many women participate because under the societal and social laws of polygamy, it is the husbands duty to make sure all wives. Of course with the exception of Mormon fundamentalists the most well-known modern day examples of Polygamy are found in the adherents of Islam. Sexual communism. In most indigenous African societies, a man believes that having male children enhances his position and. Polyandry is illegal in virtually every country. The researcher constructed a survey . The scatterplots in Figure 1 suggest that polygyny and HIV prevalence are negatively correlated: western and central African countries have generally higher levels of polygyny and lower HIV prevalence than populations of eastern and southern Africa, and vice versa. This term is more precise than the term polygamy, which refers to having more than one spouse (regardless of sex) at a time. However, the term polyandry refers to the practice of having more than one husband at a time. Thus, he can "spread his genes" far and wide, producing many more progeny than he would be able to do under a different sexual regime. In most cases the chances of contracting one are extremely low, unless you or your partner previously had an STD . The same can be said about the Americo Liberian settlers. Is it a sin to be a second . Nevertheless, religious tolerance in Ghana is very high. I find no evidence of a causal effect of modern education on polygamy. Polygamy may offer short-term benefits to women in societies where women have generally low education levels and few economic opportunities and where their status is linked to marriage and childbirth. Abstract. In the Arab nations the percentages are even . Some societies have introduced a gradual reduction in the number of wives permitted, while others have relegated the status of secondary wives to that of concubines, and some have . The. Why was polygamy common in traditional African society? Answer (1 of 12): What are the pros and cons of polygamy? In fact, having relationships with . For this reason wives will start competing for their husband's love and attention. This very old practice is essentially recognised under customary law and/or religious practices. 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