Polygamy Its Negative Implications and Consequences Essay

Polygamy Its Negative Implications and ConsequencesIntroduction             The affinity for valet creations to live in pairs is entirely natural. A blissful join is characterized by hump, respect, and trust. Warmth becomes the motivational drive towards the perfection of take over in the resign world and thereafter (McMahon, 2010). On the contrary, an unhappy matrimony leads to despair and disillusion and invalidatingly affects the people striked. Defined as the practice or educate of marrying overmuch than genius married woman at the same time, polygamy has persisted in m whatsoever a(prenominal) cultures world everyplace. In virtually societies such(prenominal) as Islam, the practice is genuinely much prevalent (Ward, 2010).The sacred books and scriptures contain abundant evidence of the incident that polygamy was indeed practiced by patriarchal prophets Hindus and Jews. In Arabia and the countries adjoining, polygamy, temporary mar riages, unexclusive concubinage, and marriages of convenience were passing rife (Jencks and Milton, 2010). Their effects were reported to be fatal on the entire well-disposed and moral structure. Polygamy keep ons a third e re human beings, well-buried hidden that is often clock problematic and still exists throughout many countries to date. It is a to a greater extent(prenominal) common practice than al to the highest degree people actually realize (Jacobson and Burton, 2011). thesis State take inforcet Polygamy has been tried many times in free participatory countries, and it never succeeds. It is non compatible with freedom, equality, and human rights. It al modes results in tiddler brides and brainwashing.Types of polygamy             Polygamy as earlier defined is a make of marriage where a person has to a greater extent than than one married woman. It generally occurs in dickens types. The well-nigh common is polygyny, where a man marries more than than one married woman. The little common type, polyandry, is a system of marriage where a woman marries more than one man (Darger, 2011). In the Islamic culture, the practice of polygyny is highly condoned while polyandry is highly condemned. In old-fashioned times, polygamy existed in the Judaism culture. In the Old Testa workforcet of the Bible, Abraham had triplet wives and Solomon had more than trio hundred wives. This practice continued until Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah issued a revision against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities hold in Muslim countries continued the practice until young 1950s when a ban was extended against marrying more than one wife (Bennion, 2012). In any of these forms, polygamy should be against the rightfulness in any morality culture or country.A third type of polygamy exists as polyamory and is often referred to as postmodern polygamy. Polyamory is a relationship of multiple hands and wo manpower. These relation ships may take the form of one man with several(prenominal) fe anthropoid partners, two men with several female partners or several women with no men. contrary polygamy, polyamory plys more equal opportunities for divorce (Crooks and Baur, 2014). Virtually all bigamous marriages be polygynous in circumstance. There is no evidence that points to polyamorous relationships being seeming to lead to polygyny. As such, polyamory carcass problematic for much the same formers that the veritable practice of polygamy (Gallichan, 2012). Due to these views, polyamory is non a force outly preferable alternate(a) to polygamy.Practice of polygamyIn his paper, polygamy and non-hetero versed activityual marriages, David Chambers emphasizes that in the countrys history, the most far-flung and signifi atomic number 50t practice of polygamy by far transpired among the Mormons during mid golf clubteenth century. To them, Mormons believed that heteroicous marriages were biblical and appro ved by God. Polygamy is neither exclusively western nor non-western. all over the ages, Muslims, Hindus and other religious groups save practiced it. However, the figure of polygynous marriages is comparatively miniature despite cross- cultural presence of polygamy. (Beaman and Calder, 2013). The standard debate over the permissibility of polygamy has been characteristically pitiable. Proponents argue that in part, married men form relationships with mistresses.These unions involve emotional commitments that argon not readably terminated unlike polygamy. In essence, a married man and his mistress argon involved in a bigamous relationship. Funny enough, this does not appear to generate much hostility from critics. The New Testament in the Bible never deemed it basal or inferior to be in a monogamous union. Shockingly, more Americans be practicing polygamy than one might think. Even more horrendous is the circumstance that more than half of the non- industrialized societi es still permit it (Bennion, 2012). It is regarded as deep sinful to shackle in sexual relationships outside the institution of marriage. In Christianity, it is believed a man should not shake off more than one registered wife with the state. much(prenominal) an action would violate tax codes and many other effective umbrellas (Ward, 2010).The legal laws in the United States document registered plural marriages and polygamy as contraband and therefore not be practiced (McMahon, 2010). In my opinion, polygamy is disgusting and should not be practiced neither in countries nor in cultures alike. One could easily argue what exactly does polygamy try to prove. That a man can discombobulate multiple wives, become unfaithful and formulate away with it? approximate the close anguish that a young nave misfire of twelve years endures when coerced into marrying a feebly, wobbly looking old man whom she has never seen before. Imagine the grotesque images that come into mind when thi s girl is force to bear churlren until her consistency become sore due to excruciating labour pains. Imagine the girl being brainwashed and battered for contradicting beliefs held by another man and forced to live with him for her entire lifetime. Now stop imagining. This is the scary would of polygamy that exists in a form not kn receive to many. Such are the cases that continue to replicate in most countries, especially Africa and Asia. In itself, polygamy is considered a right to a selected few and a bane to majority (McMahon, 2010).Reasons wherefore polygamy is practiced              in front we look at the disconfirming implications of polygamy, it would be important to understand why the system was and is still practiced to date. To many, this custom serves as a ever-changing principle of family survival, proceeds, security, prestige and continuity (Jacobson and Burton, 2011). One of the master(prenominal) reasons polygamy was practiced is that several wives were seen as a symbol of wealth, great place and influence in handed-down African societies for many centuries. Secondly, it was important for a man in traditionalistic society to continue his family name into future lineages (McMahon, 2010). Marrying many wives ensured that the husband would study many male children to carry on his name. It alike meant that one would be remembered and honored long after their death through his children and grandchildren (Jacobson and Burton, 2011).In the pastoral perspective, many wives meant that one would have necessary laborers for farming, taking care of strain and performing all household chores. This was coupled with provision of help when urgency arose. A larger family was symbolic of strength and unity. It was likewise seen as a way to maintain happiness and add meaning to life. Having many wives was as well as a route of keeping the man from being amorous. The reason was that most wives denied their husban ds conjugal rights after childbirth for up to two years. Hence, having an additional wife meant the husband would not be unfaithful (Jencks and Milton, 2010). For the husband, having many wives meant he would get many daughters from them. This contri buted to a significant increase of his wealth through bride value at the time of his daughters marriage. In most traditional African societies, it was considered a vice for a woman to pretermit children especially in marriage (Jencks and Milton, 2010).It was for this reason that most African women preferred to have a co-wife than remain single in ridicule. As such, polygamy solved the problem of single parenthood. It also offered women the security and dignity required for self-realization. Finally yet importantly, polygamy resulted through the ancient tradition of wife inheritance. The death of a husband whose wife had not passed childbirth age qualified for wife inheritance. The brother of the deceased was get to marry his brother s widow (Beaman and Calder, 2013). All the above reasons utilise in traditional African societies. However, in the contemporary world today, most of these practices have been overtaken by time and can no longer be practicable.Negative implications of polygamy              do on women in heteroicous marriages.In my view, polygamy is a way of life that should not be allowed in society due to its negative implications. Primarily, it creates male dominated marriages where the woman is left voiceless in the hearty setup. Secondly, it forces women into subordinate roles and results in unworkable families full of strife, abuse and incest (Ward, 2010). Polygamous families commonly live in isolated communities that are totally unaffected by the outside world. The seclusion of these towns raises eyebrows concerning security, safety and health of the town dwellers, state law enforcers, federal laws and the country at large (Beaman and Calder, 2013).  It can therefore be argued women face greater risks in polygamous marriages. The standard cable remains that polygamy subordinates women and fails to treat the latter as equals with men. rough scholars argue that the state should not take interest in voluntary family arrangements (McMahon, 2010).The reason behind it being that it would illegitimately endorse one comprehensive doctrine over others. To them, an unjust family arrangement is one that undermines the equality of women and fails to recognize that wives are equal citizens with their husbands. As such, polygamy is a structural inegalitarian practice that field of forces women to high risks of harmful effects compared to men (McMahon, 2010). It is for this reason that polygamy should be forbidden since it denies women the liberty, rights and opportunities gettable to men. In essence, polygamy represents an indefensible imbalance of power between men and women and in my opinion should therefore be banned.Overpopulation in affected countriesIn sub-Saharan Africa, the culture of polygamy has contributed to explosive population growth since the early 1950s (McMahon, 2010). By exposing almost all women to early and protract dangers of pregnancy, polygamy results in high fertility rates of between seven and nine children in these countries. The introduction of low-priced and effective healthcare and sanitary applied science from developed countries is also a contributing factor (McMahon, 2010).The control of sexually transmitted infections becomes overly difficult in the practice of polygamy (Beaman and Calder, 2013).  Take for knead a man who has five wives under his wing. He will engage in sexual relations with all of them and since he is married to all, use protection becomes inconsequential. If either the man or one of the wives is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease, every other participant in the flexure is at risk of contracting it. In a study conducted in Nigeria, West Afric a, it was found that those men in the survey had more than three or more wives (Beaman and Calder, 2013). This meant that they were more likely to engage in extra-marital sex and were at higher risk of contacting sexually transmitted diseases and infecting their wives. This proves women were at higher risk from men with three or more wives both(prenominal)(prenominal) as their wives and as extramarital sex partners.As a form of behavior, Christian missionaries and Eurasian societies consider polygamy morally wrong. Well-read Christian-African elites in sub Saharan Africa believe polygamy is backward, bush and barbaric behavior (Jencks and Milton, 2010).  To outsiders, polygamy is a highly undetestable social system whose origin is traced back to pre-colonial times. In addition, polygamy often coincides with crimes that target women and children such as incest, sexual assault, statutory rape and failure to pay child support (Jencks and Milton, 2010).Marital dissatisfaction              Another argument against polygamy is that more often than not, it is likely to present harmful effects especially towards the women and children. Women in polygamous marriages are at higher risk of having low esteem issues, depression and eonian worry compared to women in monogamous relationships. Studies have also revealed these women enjoy less marital satisfaction and more problematic mother-child relationships (Bennion, 2012). Additionally, women in polygamous marriages are prone to depression when they become pregnant since their husbands divert their sexual precaution to the other wives. These women are typically subservient to their husbands who only value them for the childbearing role. Consequently, polygamous women are left devoid of any powers to exercise any control of the marriage. This buds into feelings of powerlessness and emotional turmoil (Bennion, 2012).Several studies also prove that only a small fraction of women in po lygamous marriages work outside the home (Ward, 2010). Most of them lack the mandate or office to seek employment. Research on polygamy amongst the Arabs revealed that first wives are inferior to junior and subsequent wives. They experienced more economic hardships and less satisfactory relationships with their husbands. Some scholars also noted that polygamous marriages sweatd harmful mental effects on a number of first wives (Ward, 2010). This caused most of them to seek mental health treatment and psychiatric outpatient services. Several of these psychological disorders seen widely among first wives include anxiety, depression and somaticized symptoms (Ward, 2010). It has also been shown that first wives and teachers described relationships with husbands and sticks as neglectful. This showed a lack of interest and minimal interaction with them and their children. This caused them to suffer adverse effects from the polygamous union. On the contrary, junior wives were high ly favored by their husbands. They were allowed to obtain more economic resources and support.Effects on children from polygamous familiesResearch indicates that children from polygamous families are at heightened risks of developing harmful effects. There is considerable evidence that points to these children experiencing higher incidence of marital conflicts, family violence and disruptions than do children of monogamous families (Jacobson and Burton, 2011). Moreover, children from polygamous backgrounds are more likely to develop behavioural and socializing problems. The same problems are also reflected in their performance in school. Most teachers unanimously agreed that problems approach by polygamous children are somewhat similar (Jacobson and Burton, 2011).These include disobedience, hyperactivity, repeat lying to a teacher or person in authority, sib fights, enuresis and stuttering. Their levels of academic achievement were also below average.Polygamous children displayed inability to concentrate in class, had low attendance, incompletion of homework, maladjustment to classroom procedures, peer and teacher comparative problems (Jacobson and Burton, 2011). On the other hand, situational problems are likely to arise such as higher number of siblings, higher number of parental figures, absence of the obtain figure, competition and jealousy of family members over resources and emotional relationships with the father (Bennion, 2012). In addition, living areas were often crowded and economic resources taxed to the limit due to the high number of dependants. These children do not grow up to experience the parental love that is overflowing in monogamous systems (Bennion, 2012). Such children will be tempted to fixing to other avenues to compensate the missing love. It is then that they find themselves trapped in the world of crime, adultery and other social vices. Children from polygamous marriages are more susceptible to drug abuse (Bennion, 2012).Adol escent males in these unions were found to clean much worse than those from monogamous marriages. This was attributed to exposure to a chaotic life where the child is responsible for protecting his mother and sisters from dysfunctional stressors of living in a polygamous household (Ward, 2010). Children often become defensive of their own families and display resentment and anger towards the other sub-family. In times of discord, most of the senor wifes children side with their mother over the biological father. The reason for this is obvious loyalty to their mothers, half-sibling rivalry and jealousy in equal measure. However, the father and his tribe have expectations that they would side with. This has caused man of the children significant confusions with their boundaries and loyalties alike (Ward, 2010).Effects on polygamous men             Men in polygamous marriages have been linked to several negative effects. To start with, men are more likely to suffer from alcoholism, which can arise due to psychological problems (Jencks and Milton, 2010).  Secondly, men in polygamous marriages in most times fall nearsighted in terms of education achievements compared to their monogamous counterparts. This suitcase of evidence is self-colored enough to believe there is a prima facie case of polygamy being linked to adverse effects. Though this effects impact upon all members of a polygamous family, women are at higher risk (Jencks and Milton, 2010).One proposed argument defines polygamy as a structurally unequal practice. This inequality lies in the fact that polygamy as practiced today normally permits men to marry many wives while the vice versa is highly critiqued. The most convincing argument against polygamy is that men are permitted plural marriages while women are not (Jencks and Milton, 2010).  This asymmetry of power is blatantly unacceptable. Structural inequality raises concerns with other issues that affect women. The argument continues to state that asymmetry of power plays a authoritative role in the al-Qaeda of sexual harassment. Polygamy represents asymmetry of power between man and women, which is simultaneously linked, to male domination of women (Jencks and Milton, 2010).These reservations against polygamy are conditional upon the justification of unequal status of women. If women dowryd equal opportunities to marry more than one husband, then the asymmetry of power might be broken. Essentially, if there were a sex-equal polygamy that respected the consent of men and women equally, such polygamy would be justified (Beaman and Calder, 2013).While there may be structural asymmetries in the system of polygamy, the unequal status of women would be in universe together with other contributory facts. Polygamous marriages need not stand for unequal status quo for women. It remains objectionable therefore for polygamy to be mute only for men, consent notwithstanding (Beaman and Calder, 2013). In the contemporary liberal society, cultured marriages that fail to assign equal importance to consent of all spouses are not tolerated. They are also rejected if they do not offer the exit option of divorce to either spouse (Beaman and Calder, 2013).Polygamy is thus unjustified because spouses lack equal options to divorce. In critical view of all these parameters, polygamy is not justified regardless of whatever ground. This asymmetry of power exists whether the polygamous marriage is polygynous or polyandrous (Beaman and Calder, 2013).Polygamy also discriminates against non-heterosexuals. All forms of it presuppose that polygamous marriages are heterosexual marriages. If we were to defend polygamy, then we would have to make available opportunities that would include heterosexuals and exclude non-heterosexuals. Human beings moldiness be able to exercise several capabilities including the capability of affiliation (Jencks and Milton, 2010). However, this capability forbid s discrimination on understructure of sexual orientation. Hence, polygamy violates the capability of affiliation as it discriminates based on sexual orientation in excluding non-heterosexuals.This paper has highlighted many issues about polygamy, its origin, pros, and cons. The main determination of the essay was to examine the negative effects of polygamous marriages in society. express mail defences of polygamy have been highlighted throughout this report. Most of the defences do not hold piss in the current day and age. In the first place, polygamy is a structurally inegalitarian practice in fact. This article has provided prima facie evidence those polygamous marriages subject women to a greater risk of harmful effects. Furthermore, I have argued that polygamous marriages are most often polygynous marriages. Therefore, women lack the equal luck of men to form polygamous marriages with multiple partners of the opposite sex in practice. The second ground is that polygamy is a structurally inegalitarian practice in theory.I have argued that polygamy not only threatens the equality of men and women in fact, but also the equality of polygamous marriage partners as the latter have asymmetrical opportunities to divorce. Additionally, the findings nonetheless associate polygamous family structures with somatic complaints among senior wives, family dysfunction between the sub-families and inwardly the senior wife headed sub-family. Economic deprivation within the senior wife headed sub-family is also rife coupled with behavioral and pedant problems among senior wives children. Moreover, the childrens behavioral problems are noted and correlate polygamy with behavioral problems, sibling rivalries and drug abuse.However, every right needs to be guaranteed by law. It is therefore necessary that the right to polygamy be reviewed and revised accordingly. Harsh and more stringent laws should be enforced on those found practicing polygamy since it is conside red illegal in most states. Justice is only possible when people have addition to the judicial system, thus it is necessary that family courts be established at the tike and district level to address issues such as polygamy. Religious scholars and clerics, consider the huge responsibility that they have towards increasing the Islamic knowledge of public and informing them on their Islamic obligations. They should consider it their duty to explain the school of thought and rational of polygamy to the community and should prevent men from polygamy. Women are the principle victims of polygamy.They must learn more about their religious and human rights mainly when it comes to family rights and issues cogitate to polygamy. It is only at such a time that this knowledge and cognizance and practicing their rights will close the way for unjustifiable marriages of their husbands. Building the capacities and economical empowering of women is considered the main method of fighting this vic e. Economical authority will help women to protest against the new marriages of their husbands. Thus, it is required to search areas for capacity attaining and economical empowerment of women through their own efforts and with the collaboration of government and other responsible organs and to implement specific programs in this regard. Children are amongst the most vulnerable in polygamous systems.The psychological effects of discrimination and injustice between children of wives cause problems in the process of their normal growth. Specific research has been done on the psychological effects of polygamy on children and illustrated the dimensions of the forthcoming effects. Awareness might be raised via the local media, religious leaders, and the formal and informal education systems. Such awareness may lead to public discussions about the benefits and the economic and psychological burdens of polygamy. Thereby, this will enhance the ability and the freedom of individuals in the community to adopt their own ways of family life. Programs should be developed to assist women and children in polygamous families to cope with the difficulties in their lives. For those already in polygamous marriages, a support group for wives could be offered in the community. In such groups, women can share their feelings and find ways to overcome pain and conflicts.Children in polygamous families can be supported through the school system and via after-school programs. In addition, social practitioners and family therapists should develop methods of intervention with polygamous families, possibly adapting concepts and techniques taken from both family therapy and group work. All members in the family could learn how to negotiate for attention and resources, how to compromise, and how to build a successful small. Beyond counseling, for the well-being of the family as a whole, it is crucial that concrete assistance be provided where it is needed in the form of pecuniary benefi ts, school materials for the children, food aid, and health care. Both men and women in polygamous families should be helped to acquire marketable skills and to enter the job market, which would give them both a modicum of financial independence and some sense of empowerment.Conclusion             In conclusion, the effects of polygamy in family, society to the country have been shown to be diverse. It is clear for many particularly men that there are positive aspects of confidential information a polygamous life. For the remaining many, polygamy remains a stubborn lesion that results in sadness, depression, confusion, resentment, loss of identity and love. It is therefore not surprising to realize that women and children negate this type of family life and wish to form monogamous families in the future. Moreover, members of the family do not succeed in overcoming their anger, jealousy, and antipathy. It has also been highlighted how intergenerational s uffering in the form of disengagement, fighting, emotional turmoil, and interrelational conflicts are prevalent. It is important that community awareness of these potential negative effects of polygamy be elevated and addressed urgently.ReferencesBennion, J. (2012). Polygamy in primetime Media, gender, and politics in Mormon fundamentalism. Waltham, Massachusetts Brandeis University Press.Crooks, R., & adenylic acid Baur, K. (2014). Favourite Wife. Escape from polygamy.Darger, J. (2011). Love times three Our true story of a polygamous marriage. New York harper One.Gallichan, W. M. (2012). Women under polygamy. London Holden & Hardingham.In Beaman, L. G., & In Calder, G. (2013). Polygamys rights and wrongs Perspectives on harm, family, and law.Jacobson, C. K., & Burton, L. (2011). Modern polygamy in the United States Historical, cultural, and legal issues. Oxford Oxford University Press.Jencks, E. N., & Milton, D. (2010). The history and philos ophy of marriage, or, Polygamy and monogamy compared. S.l. Born Again Pub.McMahon, K. (2010). Polygamy and sublime cacoethes Sexuality in China on the verge of modernity. Honolulu University of Hawaii Press.Ward, P. (2010). Family law in Ireland. Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands Kluwer Law International.Source document