Difference between revisions of "Polygyny" - New World Encyclopedia

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The term '''polygyny''' (neo-[[Greek language|Greek]]: ''poly''+''gyne'' woman) is used in related ways in [[social anthropology]] and [[sociobiology]]. In social anthropology, polygyny is a [[marriage|marital]] practice in which a man
 
The term '''polygyny''' (neo-[[Greek language|Greek]]: ''poly''+''gyne'' woman) is used in related ways in [[social anthropology]] and [[sociobiology]]. In social anthropology, polygyny is a [[marriage|marital]] practice in which a man
has more than one wife simultaneously. This is the most common form of [[polygamy]]. The man may marry more than one woman at the same time, or marry one or more other women while he is already married. The opposite form—where a woman has more than one husband simultaneously—is known as [[polyandry]]. The anthropological meaning has been taken over into sociobiology, where "polygyny" refers to a mating system in which a male has a more or less stable breeding relationship with more than one female, but the females are only bonded to a single male. In [[eusocial insect]]s it refers to situations where colonies have multiple queens.
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has more than one wife simultaneously. This is the most common form of [[polygamy]]. The man may marry more than one woman at the same time, or marry one or more other women while he is already married. The opposite polygamous form—where a woman has more than one husband simultaneously—is known as [[polyandry]]. The anthropological meaning has been taken over into sociobiology, where "polygyny" refers to a mating system in which a male has a more or less stable breeding relationship with more than one female, but the females are only bonded to a single male. Even though historically polygyny has been socially acceptable in the majority of cultures, the majority of human marriages have been [[monogamy|monogamous]]. The reasons for human beings maintaining unique relationships with one mate have varied, including [[demography|demographic]], [[economics|economic]], and [[religion|religious]] concerns. Historical circumstances often resulted in polygyny being advantageous to the maintenance and development of particular societies. However, the most consistently successful form of human sexual relationship, leading to the greatest satisfaction for both men and women, as well as their offspring, and society as a whole, has been monogamy.  
 
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==Polygyny in Nature==
 
==Polygyny in Nature==
 
Polygyny is probably the most common mating system among [[vertebrate]]s, and is especially common among [[mammal]]s. It is characteristically associated with:
 
Polygyny is probably the most common mating system among [[vertebrate]]s, and is especially common among [[mammal]]s. It is characteristically associated with:

Revision as of 22:57, 16 December 2006


The term polygyny (neo-Greek: poly+gyne woman) is used in related ways in social anthropology and sociobiology. In social anthropology, polygyny is a marital practice in which a man has more than one wife simultaneously. This is the most common form of polygamy. The man may marry more than one woman at the same time, or marry one or more other women while he is already married. The opposite polygamous form—where a woman has more than one husband simultaneously—is known as polyandry. The anthropological meaning has been taken over into sociobiology, where "polygyny" refers to a mating system in which a male has a more or less stable breeding relationship with more than one female, but the females are only bonded to a single male. Even though historically polygyny has been socially acceptable in the majority of cultures, the majority of human marriages have been monogamous. The reasons for human beings maintaining unique relationships with one mate have varied, including demographic, economic, and religious concerns. Historical circumstances often resulted in polygyny being advantageous to the maintenance and development of particular societies. However, the most consistently successful form of human sexual relationship, leading to the greatest satisfaction for both men and women, as well as their offspring, and society as a whole, has been monogamy.

Polygyny in Nature

Polygyny is probably the most common mating system among vertebrates, and is especially common among mammals. It is characteristically associated with:

  • Sexual dimorphism, particularly of size, with males being bigger, more aggressive, better equipped for fighting, and more colorful than females.
  • Uni-parental care of the young, with males contributing less than females or nothing at all
  • Delayed sexual maturity among males, relative to females of the same species, or to males of related species with different mating systems.

Some species show facilitative polygamy, with males mating with multiple females only when resource conditions are favorable. Research on voles has identified the genetic difference that predisposes one species to polygyny and another closely related species to monogamous pair bonding. The brain hormone mechanisms through which this very slight genetic difference acts have also been identified; they involve the response to vasopressin and oxytocin.

These findings have applications within human populations as men experience a drop in the initial hormonal excitement as they remain paired with the same woman. It has been well documented that the presence of a new woman will however raise those hormones. Men have been able to learn how to increase their hormonal stimulation. These findings have hope to be helpful to those seeking to maintain a monogamous relationship. It seems results are best within a cooperative, committed relationship between ine man and one woman.

Considered in relation to other primates, humans are moderately sexually dimorphic. Humans show much more flexibility in mating systems than many other animal species and almost every possible kind of mating system exists in some society. It should be noted that historically monogamy is becoming the norm. The dominance of monogamy within the human society may be indicative of the dominance of thought within the human population of primates. Since the primary feature of dominance in human society involves thought, not only strength, the female human is capable to devise strategies to ensure preferential and solitary bonding.

Human polygyny

While polygyny has been a widespread historical occurrence, it has never been a majority experience or complete norm within any society.

It was accepted in ancient Hebrew society, in classical China, and in Islam. It has been accepted in many traditional African and Polynesian cultures. In India, polygyny was practiced from ancient times onward, though historically only kings were polygynous in practice. For example, the Vijanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya had multiple wives. However, it was not accepted in ancient Greece or Rome, and has never been accepted in mainstream Christianity (although it was practiced in the early Mormon (LDS) church). The political and economic dominance of (at least nominally) Christian nations from the sixteenth to the twentieth century has meant that on the world scale polygyny is legally recognized in very few nations. Although many Muslim majority countries still retain traditional Islamic law which permits polygyny, certain liberal movements within Islam continue to challenge its acceptability.

In modern Latin America, polygyny represents male status to be wealthy enough to support more than one household. Although condemned by the Roman Catholic church, the status of adultery being a venial sin not a mortal one contributes to the occurrence of this officially illegal but commonplace occurrence. Though these couples do not officially marry, the tacit approval and knowledge of society mean it should be labeled polygynous.

Causes of polygyny

There are several theories of why polygyny has occurred. One hypothesis suggests that the desire for numerous sex partners is built into basic human biology. This is a factor that could explain the almost universal occurrence, but would not explain the exceptions or variations. Other theories are based on population and ecological factors to explain the response to lengthy periods of sexual abstinence that often follow child birth in some particularly tropical cultures. Demographic theory suggests that polygyny may occur because of a surplus of women that results from a high incidence of male warfare. However, polygyny occurs in situations of relatively balanced gender ratios and in cases like the Yanomamo, where males outnumber females. In this society, some men accumulate two or more wives at the expense of others who never marry. Some may eventually marry at a later age than the women do. Thus, the society becomes divided between young bachelors, who may remain single into their thirties and older polygynists. Among the Zulu, in South Africa, all young men in their twenties were organized into military “age regiments” and were not allowed to marry until their term of service ended.

Bridewealth requirements may also affect some men not acquiring brides until a later age. In some societies, men are required to "buy" their wives by presenting the bride's family with suitable and costly gifts, or carrying out long periods of work for them. Because bride prices are often collected by the groom's family, he will never be able to marry unless he has been obedient to their will, usually for a long period.

High male mortality from warfare, feuding, occupational accident, and disease leave an imbalance of females outnumbering males, and represent another hypothesis why polygyny would occur. Not only are the men too involved in these activities to consider marriage, but the number arriving at the marriageable age is reduced. Again, this means that fewer men than females are marriageable.

There are also hypotheses about social stratification where access to productive resources do not determine status, but rather control over people does. raditional South African marriage structures provide an appropriate example. Most societies were divided into classes of commoner, noble, and royal strata. Commoners usually were able to marry only one wife, nobles supported several, and royals could have as many as a hundred.

The economics of polygyny

In many societies, only the wealthy and politically powerful among men could afford to have more than one wife (or would be permitted to in many cultures, for example within Islam). This requires special social conventions if it is not to produce instability in the society. It is not, however, a unique problem of polygyny: some men (and women) never obtain mates in monogamous societies. n some societies, especially some subsistence agricultural societies, the extra labor of multiple wives may be helpful.

Modern polygyny

Although polygamous marriages are not recognized in most modern societies, polygyny remains a widespread phenomenon. Some have commented on the practice of using mistresses and concubines openly or secretly supported by wealthy males is in fact a form of polygyny. In some cases the male may have a second (or more) family with the unofficial wife, supporting her and his illegitimate children. In some places the wife may feel it is preferable to help in the selection process rather than not be aware. There may be some ability to maintain status in this manner as well.

The female in a polygynous marriage

One viewpoint adheres to the notion that polygyny degrades women and children, treating them as property and slaves. Indeed, this often may be the case where there are few laws or little enforcement to ensure the support of a family and when a first wife is abandoned in favor of a second. Another instance is when local custom demands a mourning period for a widow in isolation, her in-laws take all her late husbands possessions. In some polygynous families where the households are separate, one or more wives may in reality be abandoned and visited only occasionally.

Polygamous marriages have variability in the amount of influence and control multiple wives can command. "Co-wives" may not even know about one another. They may not only know but support each other and help with domestic chores. In cases of "sororal polygamy" (sisters marrying the same male), close bonds may have already been formed. However, the "co-wives" may also compete with each other. There are records of fighting and even violence within polygynous households that is damaging for the children. The wives may vie for their husband's attention, particularly when the first wife is supplanted by a newer, younger wife. Children of differing wives have different status, or even no clarity in relationship that can lead to incestuous situations that are not healthy for offspring. When there is no clarity in superior status of elder wives this tension seems to be increased.

It is hard to imagine true equality within a polygynous marriage. It is also notable that there have been no notable female scientists, or writers, or politicians that contribute to society in immense ways that have emerged from polygynous marriages. Perhaps it is because the environment is naturally indicating a superiority of the man, and the woman must share her "privileges" for access to him with others.

Childrearing in polygynous marriages

There are instances where kind and loving husbands within a polygynous household have restored the health to families where original monogamous husbands were abusive. However, there are many more instances where children are, in fact, abandoned as a husband acquires newer, younger wives. When they maintain separate residence, this is facilitated by the circumstance. In most societies, women have much less access to make money or have viable status within the society and the children suffer. Often such children also suffer from lack of status.

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