7/19/2017 Negative Consequences of Polygamy | Zainab AL Hammadi | Pulse | LinkedIn

Negative Consequences of Polygamy

Published on October 12, 2015

Zainab AL Hammadi Follow

14 8 0
Student at Higher Colleges of Technology

This article will analyze and cover the issue of polygamy and how this issue affects
family structure. This essay discusses how a woman gave what she owns for sake of her
husband and then feels with pain and sufferings because there is no a real interest from
the husband. This essay explains issue of gender bias within polygamy and how a
woman may find injustice not to take her full rights. Polygamy issue is one of raised
issues recently due to women rights are violated and breached in the developing
countries. This paper presents detailed analysis on polygamy and its effects on women
and children showing different factors including social, cultural, and economic forces.

Polygamy is a term emerging from Greek terminologies. It refers to multiple marriages

practiced by the men. Polygamy can be used in different contexts relating social,
sociobiology, anthropology and sociology. There are some definitions of polygamy top
of which as " form of marriage types wherein a person owns more than spouse " (Al-
Krenawi and Gharaibeh 594). Anthropologists defined also polygamy as ''a marital
relationship includes many wives. Sociologists see polygamy as a reproductive
strategy also throughout increasing of number of men. Within some communities see
that polygamy is economically benefit throughout increasing the labor power the family,
and also increase prestige and power of family (Slonim & Al-Krenawi 312).

Polygamy is widespread in places where farming is main craft and needs to big labor
force. Polygamy is used as a tool to ensure social and economic stability of family. In

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/negative-consequences-polygamy-zainab-al-hammadi 1/6
7/19/2017 Negative Consequences of Polygamy | Zainab AL Hammadi | Pulse | LinkedIn

addition, children themselves are also used in farming works and then they will be
backbone of their parents when they will be old age. Accordingly, some culture are
proud of polygamy and increasing number of children to ensure their social and
economic positions. In addition, some societies and culture considered polygamy as
reproductive strategy by men to increase their offspring (Hamdan and Apter. 755).

Polygamous marriages are the most popular in the rural regions and are taking place in
low educated peoples. Polygamy has reflected various differences on the couples where
coupes relationship will be more traditional than in monogamous marriages. Men are
the masters in a family in particular in the developing nations and rural regions. Men
can take decisions at any time to marry one, two, three or four wives. Marriage is more
locus of reproduction in African countries (Dodoo 232).

Noumbe gave all things that she owned to satisfy her husband Mostafa. She loved her
husband and so Noumbe " She had been hoping that he would come if only a
moment( Sembne). A woman may sacrifice with all her belongings for her husband,
but a man may not have more than two, three or four wives. Hence, some wives may
feel injustice and pains if they don't their rights as other wives. It is expected that there
is a gender bias, so that this act causes to serious consequences on the relationship
between husband and wife. Noumbe had suffered so much and waited her husband for
three days but there was no avail. Sembne said that " Noumbe forgot her illness and
her baby's ailments. She had thought about these three days in a thousand
different ways" (Sembne)

Polygamy is widespread phenomenon in African countries that ranges from 20 %-50 %

in comparison to 10 times of Asian societies . Marriage in Sub-African region includes
the payments of bride wealth that transfer of money from husband's family to the wife's
family that will be married. In most cases, a man in respect of polygamy controls a
decision. One of missions of polygamy is to increase reproduction. Polygamy is like to
be concerning with definite relations between two gender and then reflects also making
decision nature (Dodoo 233).

Polygamy refers also bias gender and why males are allowed to marry one wife, two or
three wives; this indicates that males have advantage in bearing responsibility, and so
that they have ability to take decisions in their marriage type. The main problem may
face wives that men are always love new wife in particularly young wife. This desire
changes in men's desire toward older wives. As in indicated in the " Her Three Days"
story as narrated by Numbe said, " Mustapha had married a younger women. This
sudden realization of the facts sent a pain to her heart, a pain of anguish."(
Sembne,).

Accordingly, older wives feel pains and sufferings that their husband has neglected
them because of his marriage of new wife. On the second hand, marriage type takes
places due to its relationship with demand of fertility whether from men or women
(Dodoo. 240). Polygamous marriage is resulted due to different causes and factors

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/negative-consequences-polygamy-zainab-al-hammadi 2/6
7/19/2017 Negative Consequences of Polygamy | Zainab AL Hammadi | Pulse | LinkedIn

including cultural, political, social, economic forces or behavioral and psychological

factors (Marques. 133). Based on different cultural traditions can make social constructs
that are emerging from natural phenomenon. Women are under polygamous marriage
may be seen as slaves because they wait their master (Marques.140).

Wives wait the husband to visit or stand some time with them. This visit may be
regarded by any of wives that other wife will steal her husband. Numbe said " The visit
meant in fact: you stole those days from me because I am older than you"
(Sembne). Some wives may resort to change their habits and improve conditions to
satisfy the husband. They do the best in cleaning of home, preparing tasty and delicious
food, or even they may demand money as a debt in a purpose of obtaining the best
grade by the husband and to gain his love and interest. "How to make tasty little
dishes for Mustapha which cost him nothing. She never asked him for money.
Indeed, hadn't she got herself into debt in the past, when Mustapha sometimes
arrived unexpectedly. (Sembne).

Based on culture aspects of polygamy, it is said that polygamy is a nature and

compulsory because there are many of women for each man, so that polygamy should
be lasting. On the second hand, modernized women reject polygamy as an old custom
and should be eliminated (Marques. 142). In the Middle East region, polygamy is
featured with jealousy and competition among wives. It is more likely that wives have
short private time with the husband and so that may vie his favor. In a few of
communities, self-worth of women is based on number of children and so that they'd
like to spend more time with their husband (Al-Krenawi and Gharaibeh. 595).

It is shown in some studies that jealousy between wives may increase and escalate to
different levels even they reach up to physical injuries by women and suicide trails
among the women. Families live mainly in overcrowded conditions making aggravates
conflicts and stress between co-wives. It is confirmed that one of the biggest problem in
polygamous marriage that education attainment and academic achievement of children
as well as psychological problems of men. Many studies have made sure that there is a
close relationship between polygamy and psychological problems among children and
women inside polygamous families. Al-Sharbeni (2002) confirmed that the first wife is
affected with psychologically in polygamous marriage and hence they are vulnerable to
visit mental health centers (Al-Krenawi, and Gharaibeh 595).

In accordance with Jordanian study stressed that polygamy affected rate of drop in
school among children, escalated addiction of alcohol, juvenile delinquency as well as
causing to low self-esteem Al-Krenawi, and Gharaibeh 595). As stated in story of " Her
Three Days" that the other wife told Noumbe had to go away her children to spend a
good time with Mustapha. Ousmane said " The other wife complimented her and
insisted that Noumbe's children should go and spend a few days with her own
children" (Sembne).

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/negative-consequences-polygamy-zainab-al-hammadi 3/6
7/19/2017 Negative Consequences of Polygamy | Zainab AL Hammadi | Pulse | LinkedIn

It was indicated that women who were living in polygamous marriage, have more
problems than other type of marriage " monogamy" in terms of marital problems. In
addition, polygamous women are less satisfied with their life because they feel pains,
sufferings and jealous from co-wives (Al-Krenawi and Gharaibeh. 599). Although a
wife prepare what she owns to her husband for obtaining his satisfaction, but the
husband may not mainly appreciate efforts and works of his wife. "Noumbe finished
preparing the meal, had a bath and went on to the rest of her toilette. She did her
hair again." (Sembne). Polygamous marriage introduces several pressures on the
women and problems in functioning and psychological acts (Al-Krenawi and Gharaibeh
601).

Furthermore, polygamy has negative effects and influences on mental health

adolescents and teenagers. It is confirmed that family structure has main effects on
mental health for the children; so the biggest problem in polygamous families is
families will be more aggressive, have disorder sin conducts and behavior, difficulties in
communication and adjustment problems. There are also poor in self-concept and high
rate of attrition of school as well as sexual activity and abuse of drug and alcoholism.
Children are also suffering from poor in their well-being due to bad nutrition and low
interest and care with children. Moreover, family conflict is considered as usual
pheromone in polygamous families (Hamdan and Apter. 756).

In respect with Bedouin life, it is found that Bedouin Arabian women face a great
problems and sufferings in their life in particularly relating to polygamous marriage.
Bedouin women have suffered from low self-esteem, phobias, anxiety, depression,
hostility, and somatization than women who live in monogamous families. There are
also less life satisfaction and functioning problems. Sembne said "The flame of her
dignity had been fanned on the way .to a man who seemed to have no desire to
see her and telling her self that her marriage to Mustapha was at an end. All
such factors and problems have undoubted negative influences and impacts on children
in their life in general. Children may have mental problems, social difficulties and low
educational level. In addition, child-parent relationship may be poor and not effective in
polygamous families. Family structure is a poor among all members of one family
(Hamdan and Apter 756).

Moreover, studies confirmed as they were conducted in different countries in Middle

East countries and African countries that polygamy causes competition and unequal
distribution of the works in household among co-wives. In addition, polygamy
generates acrimony among the children and co-wives. It is shown that polygamy has a
close link with mental illness between the children and co-wives as well. Chaleby
(1985) discovered disproportionate women in polygamous families among inpatient
populations and psychiatric outpatient in Kuwait. The same phenomenon was noted in
different societies as Nigeria (Slonim and Al-Krenawi 312 -313).

In conclusion, this article examined and analyzed issue of polygamy and its negative
effects on all member of family. It is concluded that polygamy is a popular phenomenon
Sign in Join now
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/negative-consequences-polygamy-zainab-al-hammadi 4/6
7/19/2017 Negative Consequences of Polygamy | Zainab AL Hammadi | Pulse | LinkedIn
Sign in Join now
in some countries in particular in Middle East region and African countries. It is existed
greatly in rural places because families need to increase number of the labor force, so
that women and children are forced to work in farming. It is shown, polygamy has
negative impacts on women and children. Polygamous women have low self-esteem,
inequality among co-wives, have mental and psychological problems. They are
suffering from physical pains and problems; while children are vulnerable to serious
consequences in their education. It is concluded that children who live in polygamous
families are low education attainment and achievement, drink alcohol, school absence,
have obstacles in social adjustment. In addition, family structure is poor among
children, co-wives and parents. Accordingly, polygamy is considered a serious social
problem may threat and damage families at any time. Therefore, this issue should be
tackled in further research to give more recommendations and solutions to avoid
communities from potential risks.

References:

Al-Krenawi, Graham and Gharaibeh. A Comparison Study of Psychological, Family

Function Marital and Life Satisfactions of Polygamous and Monogamous
Women in Jordan. Community Ment Health J. 2011, P 494- 601. [ 17 April 2014].

Dodoo, F. Ni, Marriage Type and Reproductive Decisions: A Comparative Study

in Sub- Saharran Africa. Journal of Marriage and the Family 60. 1998, p. 232- 240. [
17 April 2014].

Hamdan, Auerbach and Apter. Polygamy and mental health of adolescents. Eur
Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009, p 755- 756. [ 16 April 2014].

Marques, Irene. Confused Slaves of Many Traditions: The Search for the
Freedom Dance in Chizianes Niketche: A Tale of Polygamy . Research in African
literatures, Vol. 41, No. 2. 2010, P133- 142. [ 18 April 2014].

Slonim- Nevo & Al-Krenawi. Success and Failure Among Polygamous Families:
The Experience of Wives, Husbands, and Children. Family Process, Vol. 45, No. 3.
2006, P312- 313. [ 19 April 2014].

Zainab AL Hammadi
Student at Higher Colleges of Technology Follow
4 articles

8 comments Newest

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/negative-consequences-polygamy-zainab-al-hammadi 5/6
7/19/2017 Negative Consequences of Polygamy | Zainab AL Hammadi | Pulse | LinkedIn

Sign in to leave your comment

SAIMA Rizvi 4mo

welfare oicer
I want yrs article to print in india
Like Reply

SAIMA Rizvi 4mo

welfare oicer
please contact me i m working in this project.
Like Reply

There are 6 other comments.Show more.

Don't miss more articles by Zainab AL Hammadi

Marriage in Hybrid Cultures Should Students Be Expelled for Happy Teachers Day
Zainab AL Hammadi on LinkedIn Cheating? Zainab AL Hammadi on LinkedIn
Zainab AL Hammadi on LinkedIn

Looking for more of the latest headlines on LinkedIn?

Discover more stories

Sign up Help Center About Careers Advertising Talent Solutions Sales Solutions Small Business Mobile Language SlideShare Online Learning

LinkedIn Influencers Search Jobs Directories Members Jobs Pulse Topics Companies Groups Universities Titles ProFinder
2017 User Agreement Privacy Policy Community Guidelines Cookie Policy Copyright Policy Unsubscribe

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/negative-consequences-polygamy-zainab-al-hammadi 6/6