Polygamys Moral Dilemma: Exploring the Controversies and Implications

Abstract

Is Polygamy Immoral? Polygamy is a practice that involves marrying more than one wife or husband. Polygamy is split into two forms; polyandry and polygyny. Polygyny is a state where a man marries more than one wife, while polyandry is a situation where a woman is married to more than one husband. Polygyny is a common practice compared to polyandry. There are many controversies when studying polygamy due to numerous assumptions and uncertainties surrounding it; hence a subject of interest to many researchers. Polygamy is mentioned biblically but not recommended. Polygamy works for some people, but its disadvantages outweigh the merits thus cannot be recommended to educate the public. Some cultures and traditions uphold polygamy as a way of prestige and livelihood. Polygamy is recommended in many cultures in Africa compared to the west. According to (Baloyi 167), in almost all African societies, polygamy is an acceptable and valid form of marriage; monogamy has been associated with people of lower social status. Polygamy has been banned in many countries including, the United States, China, Europe, Australia, and many other countries. However, polygamy is accepted in countries with a Muslim majority since polygamy is accepted in their religion. Society condones polygamy, but the act has since then faced a lot of adversity from the laws. Many stipulations have been formulated in many countries to eradicate immoral behavior. This paper tries to justify polygamy as an inherent behavior in society that is morally unacceptable due to its negative implications. Polygyny is the commonly expressed form of polygamy that is a source of conflict between the parties involved. Polygamy brings about competition, jealousy, and arguments, especially when kids are involved. Wives will compete to please their husbands to earn favor in the eyes of their eyes. Land disputes form a basis of conflict in a polygamous family. Reputable parents leave an inheritance for their children. However, in polygamous homes, conflict arises when land is fragmented to cater to all the children involved. Polygamy is not peaceful; it rises to hatred and divisiveness in families. There are incidences where atrocities, including murder, have been performed in families when fighting for inheritance. Wives tend to emanate after their spouses' death, claiming a share of the property of the deceased. Women are jealous when sharing their husbands with another and may perform brutal acts to end the lives of their co-wives or husbands. Competition for success is prevalent, resulting in conflict. Research shows no harmonious relationships between co-wives; they keep fighting for recognition, inheritance, and jealousy are intrigued by them. Polygamy lowers the dignity of women. Most polygamous marriages are more of power than peace and harmony as a good marriage should be. Women in polygamous marriages are deemed to be submissive and accept their husband's choices. They are not in control of their lives and bodies. Men understand that female counterpart can be snatched quickly hence exercising more power over them. Men demand respect from their many wives despite narrowing them to sex objects and household chores. Women yearn for their husbands and deserve to be treated with love and affection. Polygamy deprives women of happiness, making them feel lonely and unloved in their marriages. They cannot express their suggestions since they do not have anyone to hold their hands in difficult situations when their spouses are with other women. It also builds a lack of intimacy with their spouses leading to cheating for sexual pleasure and satisfaction. Women in polygamous marriages are likely to suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, somatization, and emptiness. It is psychological hence morally unacceptable. Women today believe that polyandry is normal and believe it is modern for a woman to engage in multiple sexual relationships. However, women with many partners are considered immoral and outcasts in society, and should it be. Polyandry is a bad picture in the community and influences young people to emulate such behaviors. Polygamy results in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS. It creates a sexual network structure that is dangerous for the health of individuals involved. According to (Reniers 300), the practice of concurrent sexual partnerships is now considered a critical driver of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in high prevalence countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Some of these diseases are fatal, and others are associated with permanent sterility. Polygamist men and women often do not disclose their HIV status to their women and do not mention their state to doctors. The undisclosed wives end up suffering and die due to lack of treatment. Polygamy can lead to other reproductive health conditions...