What Is Polygamy?

To put it in simple terms, Polygamy is when an individual has more than one spouse-like partner. Most polygamous relationships are polygyny relationships, which means a man has multiple wives.

Although rare, there are also polyandry relationships where a woman may have multiple husbands. Group marriage is another form of polygamy where a household may consist of a mix of different sexes. Some religious sects, including Mormons and Muslims, believe in having more than one wife. People in many other countries around the world may also participate in polygamous relationships. In the United States, however, the law allows for only two partners to be legally married. This means that the individuals who do practice this type of relationship do so without being legally married to more than one woman. Instead, they are married in the eyes of their community, their god, their families, and themselves.

What Is Polygamy? Where Is Polygamy Practiced?

Polygamy is fairly rare throughout the world, with roughly 2% of the global population practicing polygamy. Polygamy is technically illegal in the United States, although it is decriminalized in many states, such as Utah. However, bigamy, which is being married to more than one partner simultaneously, is illegal. Some polygamous relationships may not have a legal marriage by law, but they consider themselves a spouse-like relationship with multiple partners. Polygamy is illegal in most countries or at least not officially recognized. However, according to a Pew Research study, polygamy is legal in other countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 11% of the population live in a household with more than one spouse. Polygamy is often considered a normal tenant of some religions, such as folk religions and Muslims, or even those that practice no religion. However, in Burkina Faso, 24% of Christians live in polyamorous households.

Why Do People Practice 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. Therefore, the war caused an influx in unmarried women due to war casualties. 

Some religions, such as Islam, state that a man is entitled to have more than one wife and that having multiple wives is a way to get into heaven. Some believe that their god wanted them to become more numerous, increase their family dynamics, and become better prophets of god’s word. Today, many people still practice polygamy around the world for societal or religious reasons.

The Rules 

Just like any other marriage, polygamy has rules that must be followed. In nearly every religion, the relationship is considered polygamous when a partner has more than one spouse. While there are different polygamous relationships, polygyny, a man having more than one wife, is the most common. The rules of polygamy may differ for each religious or individual relationship.

The Practice Around The World

There is a misconception that polygamy was created with Islam. However, polygamy predated the origins of Islam and was prevalent in many cultures around the world. Islam tolerated and accepted the practice of polygamy with rules and conditions. Not every Muslim practices polygamy. The Quran permits a man to have up to 4 wives at a time with permission and on a condition that he can treat them all with equality, justice, and fairness. If he cannot provide fair and equal treatment, he should only have one wife. This equality relates to accommodation, food, clothing, and kind treatment. Men may be permitted to have more than one wife due to sickness, fertility issues, mental health concerns, or simply not getting along.

Some cultures and countries permit polygamy under certain conditions. For example, in Algeria and Morocco, the man is only permitted to marry more than a wife with a marriage license, and his original wife must agree to it and sign a contract. Polygamy is a practice that has taken numerous forms throughout the years, and many countries and cultures have placed conditions and restrictions on polygamy. In many countries, it also isn’t legally recognized. Polygamous relationships are highly contingent on cultural, religious, and regional practices.

The Family Dynamic