Polygamy: Is having multiple spouses inappropriate?

Polygamy: Is having multiple spouses inappropriate?

Polygamy is a general term that means multiple spouses (White & White, 2005). There are two types of polygamy: polygyny, which is one man with many wives, and polyandry, which is one woman with many husbands. Polygamy has been practiced in the United States as well as in other parts of the world for many centuries. When some families decide to add a new wife to their family, the decision is carefully considered and must be approved before the couple can get married (Altman & Ginat, 1996). The effect of polygamy on children has been researched but the effect is still unclear. There are many who believe that polygamy is beneficial because it allows men to have many children and helps society (White & White, 2005). On the other hand, there are also many people who view polygamy as an inappropriate relationship because it oppresses women (Moore-Emmett, 2004). This research project aims to show why polygamy could be deemed an inappropriate relationship. It will classify this type of relationship as either unconventional, disapproved or forbidden.