Polygyny, or polygamy, is a form of marriage in which one husband may have several wives. Traditionally, such a model is inherent in the patriarchy. At present, polygamy is common among some Muslim peoples, traditionally it is the privilege of rulers and the public elite. The form of marriage, denoting polygamy - polygyny, this term should not be confused with polygamy.
Socio-demographic aspects of polygamy
Polygamy in the world of Judaism has existed for many years. In its own way it solves such problems as hunger, widowhood, infertility of a woman. However, with this important rule: a man can have as many wives as he can provide, so this is a privilege of the exceptionally rich.
Women in the modern world more than men. In this regard, there is a point of view pointing to polygamy as a solution to the problems of demography: after all, so, on a legal basis, several women will be able to give birth to one man, and they will all be provided and live a comfortable, happy life. Does the law permit polygamy? In a number of countries permits, and this is an undoubted plus.
Polygamy: Pros and Cons
In the view of a European man who has long been familiar with feminism , polygamy and polyandry are unacceptable things. Despite the fact that in the mass consciousness polygyny has remained far in the past and its echoes are present only in the lives of Muslims, polygamy among the Slavs, and indeed in the Christian world, also takes place. Only in this case it can be found in separate religious sects.
However, there is no need to turn to sectarians to find examples of modern polygamy. The same European women quite often consciously marry a Muslim who already has 1-2 wives. Usually such steps meet the misunderstandings of relatives, but there is also the downside of polygamy, in which it is not necessary to worry about the infringed rights.
The fact is that many wives can get themselves only very wealthy men. In addition, according to Sharia law, all wives should be kept the same: by buying gold jewelry alone, a man must make the same gifts to everyone else. Moreover, not every country collects all wives under one roof, which usually generates quarrels and conflicts. For example, in the United Arab Emirates each wife has his own house or apartment. Arab men for a long time do not consider polygamy as a means to quench their lusts - it is a great responsibility and a sign of consistency and awareness.
Another aspect of polygamy is the arrangement of the harem. The harem is a separate part of the house in which all the women of the family live - the wife, mother, sister, brother's wife, etc. They all help each other and watch the house together. Eastern men never see their women in an unattractive state.
An Eastern woman does not go to work, does not carry heavy bags home and never pays for herself. However, when she receives financial freedom, she also receives moral injustice: she can not make a single step without her husband's knowledge. In addition, she has no right to control a man, to find out where he is and with whom.
By the way, if the relationship becomes complicated, the couple can divorce. A man for this simply enough to announce this to his wife, and a woman needs to contact the relevant authorities. Divorce will come true if it turns out that a man poorly provided a woman, did not buy her constantly new clothes and did not rejoice with gifts.
And there are plenty of pluses and minuses in polygamy, just like in a classic monogamous marriage. Of course, this step is clearly not for freedom-loving natures, and certainly not for jealous owners. However, some women are better off in this situation. All people are different, and it is difficult to find a single recipe for happiness for all.