Love
Updated October 5, 2021
The first thing you should know is that polygamy is against the law throughout the United States. However, it is legal in some other countries, and is considered a regular tenant of some religions that are practiced around the world. For those who do not practice polygamy, there are some different preconceptions about it. Probably have completely different opinions than those who practice it. It is always better to understand a nuanced practice instead of making a summary judgment about it. We do not advocate polygamy. But we believe that those who practice it, who grew up in a polygamous family or were socialized to it, should be treated with empathy. It's much harder to understand the benefits and drawbacks of a practice if you're not participating in it yourself.
What is polygamy?
Polygamy, to put it in simple terms, is when an individual (often a male) has more than one partner (often women). Some religious sects, including the Mormons, believe in having more than one wife. People in many other countries around the world also participate in this practice. In the United States, however, the law only allows two partners to be legally married. This means that individuals who practice this type of relationship do so without being legally married to more than one woman. Instead, they are married in the eyes of their community, their god, their families, and themselves.
In the United States and elsewhere, the practice of pansexuality or polysexuality is also growing in popularity. These terms can refer to people who knowingly and respectfully maintain two or more romantic or sexual partners at a time. This is distinct from polygamy, which involves the practice of marriage.
Why people practice polygamy?
There are many reasons why people practice polygamy, but the main one is for religious reasons. Some religions state that a man has the right to have more than one wife and that having multiple wives is a way to get into heaven. Some believe that their god wanted them to do this to become more numerous, to increase their family dynamics, and to become better prophets of God's word. Today, many people still practice polygamy for these reasons or other religiously inspired influences.
The rules of polygamy
Just like any other marriage, polygamy has rules that must be followed. In almost all religions, the relationship is considered polygamous when a man has multiple wives. But this is not always the case. Polygamy, in general, could refer to a woman having multiple husbands (although this is seen much less common). It is also not considered group marriage, where there may be multiple women and multiple men together in a marriage. This is one of the first rules, and is an important step for many of those who practice it.
In the practice of Islam, a prophet within a religious group is considered the messenger of God and his blessing may be requested in order for the individual to marry the person he desires. In some cases, a prophet may arrange marriages between different men and women within the community. These marriages are not necessary to be permitted, however, and the prophets have the right to reject a man who asks to marry a woman, whether that woman is his first wife or another. For every marriage a man wishes to enter into, he must make a request to a prophet who will give him God's word about his marriage.
To be allowed to marry, whether for the first time or afterwards, a man must be considered righteous. He must continue to be on good terms with the god of his religion. If he is already married, his current wives must also be on good terms with God. Otherwise, the prophet may refuse a new marriage or reassign the wives and even the children he has to another man who is considered righteous and able to take care of them, although this is a rare action.
Finally, the man and his wives must continue to have children. The main purpose of polygamy in a religious group is to be able to have more children, and this means that the man and his wives must continue to procreate as much as possible. This is considered an important tenant to be able to go to heaven and the rewards the man will have when he gets there. Although other specifics may vary depending on religion or where the family lives, polygamy may require all of these rules.
Again, polygamy is a practice that has taken many forms over the years. It depends a lot on cultural, religious, and regional practices.
The family dynamic
In this type of relationship, the husband has obligations to each of his wives and to all of the children they share. In some cases, wives may have separate homes that they keep with their children. In others, the wives and children may share a home. The husband is expected to devote equal time and attention to each of his wives to ensure that they feel the love and affection that is considered their right in the relationship. Wives may be required to work together for the betterment of the entire home and care for all children, not their own.
What it means to you
Polygamy is a relationship style that is not for everyone. While some people believe this type of relationship is perfectly acceptable (for religious reasons or not), there are others who believe it leads to problems for both women and children raised in these types of families. If you are leaving a polygamous relationship and feel uncertain about your experience – or if you are in one and don't know how you feel or think about the relationship itself – you can seek professional help to process your experience.
Just like anyone else, there are chances of relationship problems within a polygamous relationship and getting help for yourself and your partner can be more difficult in these situations. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't reach out to someone, and you'll find that the professionals at Serenis can make things even easier for you. With this service, you can get online and talk to a professional about whatever you're going through. The great thing is that you can do everything online, without ever having to visit an office. This can make it easier for you to make your appointments, no matter what is going on in your life.
Evidence suggests that women in polygamous relationships experience higher rates of symptoms and mental health conditions. A 2013 study found that women in polygamous relationships had lower self-esteem, less satisfaction with their lives and marriages, and more signs of mental illness. Other negative practices, such as rape, domestic violence, murder, robbery, and fraud have also been linked to polygamy. And finally, leaving a polygamous relationship presents a difficult challenge and can lead to many negative consequences for you or your children.
If you are facing mental health issues in your polygamous marriage or are looking to leave one, a mental health professional can help you. Online consultations from platforms like Serenis are perfectly suited to connect you with licensed therapists who can help you during this time. Serenis psychotherapy is highly safe and discreet. Your correspondence with your therapist will be protected by numerous advanced cybersecurity measures.