What are the problems associated with polygamous marriages?

Answer 1

Polygamy is illegal.

Answer 2

• Some males have to do without. Now according to Mother Nature this is perfectly alright. The disenfranchised males feel otherwise however.
• The wives may have to assume some of the financial supportive roles. There are a few super rich royalty that can support them all but they would be the exception, not the rule
• The wives may have to be content with little quality time with their husband but in most cases, the woman develops an appreciation for her "sister-wives" and learns there's more to life than "getting to spend quality time with a spouse."
• The kids don't have as much one on one time with their dad.
• It is very difficult to have more than one woman in the house (trust me, I have a mother-in-law and it is difficult.) Multiple residencies is a real consideration.
• They aren't cheap
• There's a lot of social resentment from those who oppose it.

Answer 3

The biggest problems arise when a man uses poor judgment when adding a new wife to his family. The existing wife or wives deserve to have as good a relationship with the newcomer as does the husband. It is the responsibility of the husband to ensure that the prospective new wife has a thorough opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with the existing wives BEFORE "tying the knot". For those for whom polygamy is a religious tenet, there should also be much prayer, and the marriage should not be scheduled until all parties have been able to get confirmation through prayer that this is the right step - the right person.

Failing to follow these admonitions will likely result in conflict. Conflict is normal and natural, but when it occurs in a multi-party relationship, its effects are amplified and can be devastating. Women tend to remember old frictions for a long time, for which reason it is best to avoid frictions as far as possible. The frequency and intensity of family frictions is a function of two factors: the maturity and integrity quotient of each family member; and the quality of the decision-making and communication skills of each party when friction arises.

This is why a man must choose carefully when adding a plural wife to his family. If she has immaturity or deep insecurities, she will experience greater fears, jealousies and frustrations when she finds that she is not getting as much attention from the husband as she feels she should. If this then causes hard feelings between her and the other wives, then the husband already has a war on his hands.

So, the biggest problems associated with plural marriages are created by weak, selfish, immature people. Such people should not become polygamists, any more than petite women should play professional football. It is not for the "faint-of-heart". If you are not cut out for the rigors of what is a loftier and more demanding lifestyle, don't get into it.

Answer 4

In the United States you can only be legally married to one person at a time. Therefore any subsequent 'marriages' would be invalid. That is one of the most obvious consequences of polygamy. In the popular television series that glamorize the polygamous lifestyle they don't mention that only the first wife is legally married. Other negative consequences are giving young girls the wrong role modeling- making them ignorant of their power as individuals, stifling their understanding of freedom and education and perpetuating the myth of man as womans superior. It sets a terrible example for the boys- perpetuating that irrational male power myth.

There are other negative consequences that are rarely mentioned. Since a man can only have one wife in the US, all the other women are single mothers. They have a lot of children and they depend on the taxpayers to help support their enormous families. They can apply for public assistance which they do and they receive benefits at a greater rate than the general population. Polygamy may well be the ultimate in narcissistic behavior.

Answer 5

in polygamy, there is a lack of communication between husband and wives that leads to all other struggles in the family.

Answer 6

You run the risk of getting caught by the legal authorities.

Answer 7

Jealousy can arise in polygamous home. Couples and children feel neglected in polygamous homes.

Answer 8

Polygamy is illegal.