Polygamy

Polygamy simply means having more than one spouse at any one time. The term is usually applied to men (but can also apply to women). Many countries today have laws banning polygamy. But that does not prevent the most determined man from getting more than one wife. He simply registers one wife lawfully, and keeps quiet about the other one. This is particularly so in countries where “the other woman” (or mistress) will simply be accepted in society as a single mother. Others will divorce the legal wife, and remarries another, so that at any one time, they are not legally commiting polygamy. But if you think about it, this is simply the practise of serial polygamy.

Then there are those who practise polygamy because their religion allows for it.  What comes to mind immediately are the Mormons in the America (particularly in Utah) before the Government puts a stop to it.  Judaism also had its share of documented polgamy relationships (think of Solomon with 1,000 wives & concubines!).  And the Hindus in India practised it before the law banned it; and the Muslims practise it as well.  History shows the Chinese people also practised polygamy.

Now the big question – how does the man involved in polygamy handle the ladies in his life?  Presumably, if the relationship is not known to the legal wife, he will have to lie about his whereabouts very often (e.g. going on business trips, entertaining clients at night, etc).  Many a wife only becomes aware of the “other woman” at the funeral of her husband, when the mistress turns up with children in tow. 

But what if the ladies know about each other’s existence.  In fact, what if they actually live together (like the Mormon families of old)?  Will there be harmony, happiness and peace in the extended families?  Or will there be conflicts, quarrels, bitterness and catfights?

Who will the man in such a relationship side in a dispute involving his wives?  The first wife, or the latest?  How will he deal with the children?  Will the children have some sort of guilt feeling or inferiority complex? 

Think about it.  Is it worth it to practise polygamy? Whatever happens to the traditional marriage vow of “until death do us part”?