The Pros And Cons Of Polygamy

Originally, after choosing my topic, I had planned on focusing on the traditions of Muslim marriage-- however, the more I researched the more corruption was unveiled within the sacrament. I don’t know about you all, but I find controversial things far more interesting. I would like to preface my speech by saying although many of the practices I am going to speak about are widely accepted throughout the Middle East—however, this does not make them justifiable. Like all controversial topics, there are two sides to this argument. Arranged marriages, child marriage, and polygamy are practices passed off as “traditions,” but it is my goal to shed some light on the topic. It is not uncommon for couples to marry based off caste and wealth rather than

Several studies have shown that polygamy is more likely to present harmful effects, especially towards women and children, then monogamy. Women in polygamous marriages are at higher risk of low self-esteem, and depression, then women in non-polygamous relationships. Other studies show that polygamy can be detrimental to women’s overall marital satisfaction. This only heightens during a women’s pregnancy. Women are more likely to feel vulnerable or depression while pregnant, because their husbands become more likely to pay attention to the other (non-pregnant) wives. Women in polygamous marriages have no opinion when it comes to deciding on the number of wives her husband adds to their family. This forced passivity contributing to feelings of powerlessness and emotional abuse. Polygamy can be physically damaging as well as emotional; Women in polygamous marriages are at a greater risk of contracting sexual diseases, including AIDS. Men in polygamous marriages are more likely to partake in extramarital sex and are at greater risk of contracting sexual diseases and infecting their wives. The wives are not the only ones affected by polygamy; children from polygamous families may be at a greater risk of several harmful effects. For example, research has shown that it is more common for children of polygamous families to be exposed to a higher incidence of marital conflict, family violence, and family disruptions than children of monogamous families’. As a result, children from polygamous marriages are at a greater risk of both behavioral and developmental problems. As you can see, there are numerous factors that prove polygamy among marriage can be damaging emotionally and physically on both the wives, and children