We explain what polygamy is, which countries accept it and why it is important in the Mormon religion. Also, what is monogamy.
What is polygamy?
It is known as polygamy. a type of marriage in which one person can marry several others at the same time. This applies to marriages of one man and several women (polygyny) or one woman and several men (polyandry). Its name comes from Greek cop (“many”) and fallow deer (“marriage”).
Polygamy is not accepted, and in fact is sanctioned by Western doctrines of lawwho consider monogamy (just the opposite) as the only viable marriage and family option. However, It is practiced in many other culturesespecially in Asia and the Middle East.
On the other hand, the number of documented polygamous societies in the world is quite small, given that not all polygamous families come from a polygamous marriage.
Polygamy should not be confused with other forms of loving or erotic bond, such as promiscuity, infidelity or informal sexual relationships (orgies, casual relationships, affairs, prostitution, etc.). In fact, polygamy It is usually closely linked to certain religious aspects (especially sectors of traditionalist Judaism and Islam).
Perhaps the contemporary term that is closest to it in the West is the so-called polyamorybut this type of relationship does not enjoy any form of formal or legal recognition.
See also: Stepfamily
Countries where polygamy is accepted
polygamy It is formally accepted in some Islamic countriesespecially those more traditional, always centered around polygyny.
In nations like Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, for example, it is practiced among the highest classes, since the man who has several wives must provide a home for each one, even though they do not even have contact with each other. On the other hand, other more secular Muslim nations, such as Tunisia, Lebanon, Malaysia and Türkiye, expressly prohibit this type of union.
Hindu tradition neither condemns nor encourages polygamyand in Hindu nations like Bhutan it is formally allowed. However, India is a particular case: polygamy is prohibited for everyone except Muslims, since ethno-religious tensions have allowed dual legislation since 2004, depending on which religion one belongs to.
Finally, some of the United States of America allow polygamy in its legislation, although it is not well regarded socially. Also South Africa allows this type of unions if chosen at the time of marriage.
In Paraguay it was legal during the times after the war of 1865, in which the nation faced Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, and after losing 90% of its male population, it was necessary to make these considerations more flexible under a policy of “free love.”
Mormons and polygamy
Polygamy has been part of the lifestyle of a religious group known as the Mormons since Its founder Joseph Smith stated in 1831 that certain men in his community should practice multiple marriages.. Smith explained that this information had been communicated to him in a divine revelation.
This revelation was published in the Doctrine and covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thus began a long history of disputes between the State and the members of this group regarding the issue.
However, the tightening of bigamy laws in some of the United States forced Mormons to emigrate to Canada and Mexico, where they could continue such marriages.
However, At the beginning of the 20th century, the Mormon Church began to excommunicate those who practiced it.. On the other hand, according to the newspaper Salt Lake Tribune As of 2005, there were still at least 18,500 Mormons living in polygamous households.
Polygamy in Mexico
In Mexico, polygamy is not legally permitted.as happens in all nations with strong Christian roots. However, It was a common practice of pre-Columbian tribeswhich is why many Nahuatl ethnic groups in the state of Veracruz still practice it, forming homes with several wives, in which the children are raised as brothers.
What is monogamy?
Monogamy is exactly the opposite of polygamy, that is, A monogamous marriage can only be made up of two individuals. (traditionally of opposite sexes) in a stable, unique and mutually exclusive relationship.
This is the principle in force in Western religions such as Catholicism or Protestantism and is, therefore, the only form of conjugal union possible and recognized by the State. Bigamy, in fact, constitutes a crime punishable by law in most countries.
Continue on: Monogamy
References
- “Polygamy” on Wikipedia.
- “Monogamous, polygamous or unfaithful. What are we?” in BUHO Magazine.
- “Monogamy or polygamy? What is more natural?” in Xataka Ciencia.
- “The Pros and Cons of Polygamy” in Psychology Today.
- “Polygamy (marriage)” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
