Monogamy vs. Polygamy

Types of Polygamy

Types of Monogamy

It is apparent that these practices affect our youth, whether it be negative or beneficial. Children who are part of a monogamous family become accustomed to it. They are taught that it's right, consequently they believe it is right. This is due to the way they were brought up, they observed their parents as every young child does. As they grow up, they realize the incorporation of norms, mores, and values coveted and possessed by those who practice monogamy specifically. Polygamy on the other hand is most usually looked down upon, in the United States mainly. In a place where monogamy is the main practice, a different and peculiar one frightens them. Children are influenced very differently when they are immersed in the practice of polygamy. Do they know what's accepted in society? Do the mother(s) encourage step sibling relationships? There are many questions raised when this topic is discussed. People question if this practice encourages children to do the same; after all, a child looks up to their parents and family. Who's to say they won't follow in their footsteps?

• Over two billion people actively practice polygamy.
• Polygamy has been legalized in over 150 countries in Africa, the Middle East and most countries in the third world.
• Monogamy is surprisingly not the most practiced, it comes in at 22% worldwide.
• Infidelity statistics look to be proving that monogamy is not as permanent as it is perceived.

Monogamy and Polygamy

Statistics

Resources

• definition of monogamy. monogamy. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/monogamy
• definition of polygamy. polygamy. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/polygamy
• Polygamy's effect on the young. http://www.we-change.org/english/spip.php?article397

• marriage once in a lifetime
• serial monogamy- a marriage to another person after a death or divorce
• marriage to one person at a time

What is Polygamy?

Polygamy is a system or practice in which a female or male possesses multiple spouses.

How do these practices shape the young? (continued)

What is Monogamy?

• Children in a polygamous household may feel rejected by their fathers, given that they may not receive the same amount of attention as the other wives or children.
• Children mirror their mothers' emotions; the sense of insecurity and depression correlates with the depression, low self-esteem, and self-destructive behavior the children experience.
• There is great emotional devastation for those who feel neglected and abandoned for a new wife or child(ren).

In the above photo is one of the most popular polygamous family. They participate in the TLC show, "Sister Wives."

Monogamy is the system or practice in which one male marries one female.

• Polygyny- a marriage in which a male may have multiple wives at the same time.
• Polyandry- a marriage in which a female may have more than one husband at a time.

How do these practices shape the young?

Additional Resources

Survey Results

Alhashim, P. (2008, November 25). Polygamy and Its Impact on the Mental and Emotional Health of Children. . Retrieved , from http://www.we-change.org/english/spip.php?article397

Infidelity Statistics. (n.d.). Statistic Brain RSS. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://statisticbrain.com/infidelity-statistics/

History of Polygamy (plural marriage). (n.d.). <i>History of Polygamy</i>. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/history/plural_marriage/polygamy_history.html

I conducted a survey regarding the support of monogamy and polygamy in this school, to the left are my results.

Monogamy was the most favored and defended practice.

Monogamy vs. Polygamy

How do these practices shape the young?

By: Savannah Shiveley

SEM2, B2 2014