A recent article about Polygamy in the Washington Post argues that polygamy could be the next popular issue besides gay marriage. However the reason being that is not currently making as the main issues about marriages is that polygamy existence since biblical times. Because gender is displayed as heteronormative in the influence of polygamy it is seen as the lesser of the two evils between that and gay marriage. Article argues about how the doctrine of marriage is perceived through recent times and religion is a justification factor that makes it OK for one man to marry multiple women regardless of the religion discontinuing the practice of polygamy.
The argument that monogamy is not natural according to the video we watched earlier in class.
If you have never heard of polygamy you will and if you had in the past it was most likely due to the hit reality series “Sister Wives” about a polygamist family in the state of Utah. Polygamy is defined as the practice or condition of having more than one spouse at a time. Polygamy is nothing new and has been practice for hundreds of years but it is now seen as an immoral act, and a criminal act in a large majority of the of the world. Now even though polygamy is wide known in certain areas like Africa (South Africa, Kenya), Asia (middle east), etc. Still there are rules that they must abide by and it frowned on in an obese manner in areas like the United States, Australia, and China, because as a society we see it as an unjust act that can not be upheld by any justification but it is permitted in the bible. I support polygamy because I see no fault in the act of a family with multiple spouses.
Marriage is a social institution that is practiced globally. Traditionally marriages are known to occur between one man and one woman. However, cultural values and time have reshaped and birthed new types of marriages. Polygamy is a type of marriage that is often practiced around the world specifically in Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Polyamorous marriages have been in existence for centuries. Polygamy is classified into two categories, polygyny, and polyandry. Polygyny is the most popular type of polygamy, in this type of polygamous marriage, a man is married to multiple women. On the other hand, polyandry which is the least familiar type of polygamy is where a woman is married to multiple husbands. The intolerance of Mormons in the United States has led to the outlawing of polyamorous marriages. The Morrill Anti Bigamy law of 1862 outlawed the practice of polygamy in the United States. Like many other laws, this law can be overturned. In fact, it should be reversed because illegalizing polygamy is unethical. Polygamy should be legalized because it is unconstitutional for it to be illegal, same-sex marriages and interracial marriages are legal, therefore so should polyamorous marriages. In addition, legalizing polygamy would prevent immigrant families who practice polygamy from being separated and it would also strengthen the feminist movement.
Joseph Smith dictated a revelation concerning plural marriage. He bought the act forward as a requirement from God (Jacobson 2015). In the present day Mormon religion they have in fact denounced their support of “plural marriage” after the congressional act to ban the practice, but there are still subgroups of the religion that still practice it. In addition to the religious backing of polygamy, there are reasons that individuals chose to practice it. It increased the profitability of children, especially when a wife is barren of gives birth to female children. An increase in the labor supply within a kinship network. You can deal with the problem of surplus women. It expanded the range of a man’s alliances so he is able to maintain or acquire a position of leadership. Lastly, it can also provide sexual satisfaction to men (Bailey 2015). Religions to date that practice polygamy are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons, Muslims, and Apostolic Untied Brethren. Polygamy was tied to religion many years ago because many of the early founders believed that it was very much related to God, and that it would be of his will and liking to have more than
In this age of freedom and personal choice, where previously banned and frowned up lifestyles are accepted, polygamy should become a lifestyle choice. This is the opinion of people who live this lifestyle. “Loving them is simple. It’s one of those things you do unconsciously…and your way of being that you never question it.”(Brown 27). The sister wives must have respect for the people
I also learned about the the different perceptions on marriage having to do with monogamy versus polygamy. Coontz tells of a tradition in parts of Asia where: “A woman may be married to two or more brothers, all of whom share sexual access to her” (257). This shows a clearly polygamous relationship, whereas Bennett’s essay shows he is against polygamy and believes it marriage should only be two people. He says, “How could they explain why we ought to deny a marriage licence to a bisexual who wants to marry two people,” (272). This is very different from today’s perception of marriage as currently it is between only two people, and polygamous
Is someone's religion a cult just because you find it odd, or sinister? The small polygamous community of Bountiful would argue that it does not; however many see polygamy as a dangerous and vile practice, and therefore, basing a lifestyle around it would be cultish behaviour.To determine if Bountiful is a dangerous cult or a peaceful haven for an outdated lifestyle, one must look at it’s dark past under the leadership of Warren Jeffs, how and why Winston Blackmore split from the sect, and how they have apparently changed to respect modern culture.
Despite Deboer's efforts on establishing several points in support of legalizing polygamy, many of his statements are evidently flawed. Now that gay marriage has been legalized he wants people to take on a new perspective pertaining to plural marriages. However he introduces his argument by stating “Polygamy today stands as a taboo just a strong as same-sex marriage was several decades ago “(Deboer). His outlook on both objectives is incorrect being that same -sex marriage and plural marriages are distinct in many different ways.unlike gay marriage polygamy deals with a larger number of spouses, meaning that a man can have 30+ if he wishes to. Whereas gay marriage still pertains to just two individuals in respects to that they are of the same
In my opinion, the topic of polygamy is very controversial. I strongly support gay marriage and the notion that the courts have no legal right to impose on the lives of two consenting adults. However, gay marriage cannot and should not be compared to polygamy mainly because historically, polygamy has been used by men to subjugate women by establishing male-dominance within families and across society. It has been tied to all kinds of abuse. Whereas, two males or two females making a lifetime commitment to each other does not affect society at large in the same way. Personally, I have no moral problem with allowing consenting adults to participate in polygamy. However, before I can be fully on board with the idea, I would need some evidence
There are many problems within our society, polygamy has been a problem since the 19th century and still is today. Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at a time. Polygyny is the most common form of polygamy, consists of one man has multiple wives (Buck, 2012). Polygamy is illegal in the United States, Canada and many other countries around the world. In the 1800s, under the direction of its founder Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) began to practice polygamy. Members of the LDS Church, also known as Mormons, believed that Smith was the prophet of God and they must follow his teachings if they wanted to go to heaven. After Smith’s death, the new prophet, Brigham Young, began publically teaching the practice of polygamy (Guiora, 2010). In order to escape persecution for their religious practice of polygamy, the LDS Church moved the Utah, which is where a large amount of the polygamous community lives today.
The above discussion shows that almost all religions condemn the act of cohabitation. Turning away from religion, therefore, can be one of the vital factors why people are involved with the act. Consequently, strict adherence and strong commitment to religious teachings would undeniably prevent people from indulging in this immoral activity (Thornton, et al. 1992; Wilhelm
According to Aisha Lemu, marriage is an investment instead of an agreement; however, Mrs. Lemu is inaccurate. Lemu thinks that Polygamy is the legitimate way to handle a marriage, but in reality Lemu needs to comprehend that Polygamy is ultimately wrong. As a matter of fact Polygamy is an ancient practice known in a variety of societies. Although this belief is horrific, and biblically wrong, people still consider taking part of these actions as Mrs. Lemu discusses.
Could you imagine living in a world where it is acceptable for a man to marry more than one woman and be open about it? A large number cannot and the practice of polygamy is seen as a taboo. The families usually live private lives, and they do not interact with the rest of America due to anti-bigamy society we live in. Polygamy is the practice of being married to more than one person at the same time. This is not to be confused with an open relationship or an open marriage. This topic was viewed as controversial for years. As a practice that was not accepted in the public eye, it recently gained more attention with mainstream media and culture. Shows on television such as “Sister Wives” may pose questions if polygamy should be legally practiced, and it should not be. The stronger actions that law enforcement continues to take against polygamist communities are justified. Women who partake in the practice often times are not old enough or aware enough to be offered a real choice in the polygamist marriage. Furthermore, the young women engaging in the practice makes it illegal. They should be taken out of these environments as well as have the choice to live their lives as they please. Polygamy can equally be seen as a way of oppressing women. The wives are forced to share their husband with multiple women, while addressing the husband as their “leader”. Polygamous unions nonetheless are still thriving in present day America as of 2015. These communities are allowed to live
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse and is culturally accepted in many parts of the world, but is illegal in the United States. There are two well known forms of polygamy, both of which are still presently practiced in numerous cultures globally, polygyny and polyandry. These practices take place in societies where it is important to have either more men or more women in a families’ household based on the kind of environment they reside in. This paper is going to take a look at who practices polygamy, the history of polygamy in the United States, and how this kind of polygamous lifestyle affects the children that are the products of these family structures.
The research also aims to examine polygamy and its impact on women in the Mormon society in the USA. However, at the preliminary stage of research not all the necessary sources are found.
In return for the ephemeral joys of change, I am sure you are motivated by love, a love that existed well before your marriage and that fate has not been able to satisfy.”