key term - Polyandry

Definition

Polyandry is a form of marriage in which a woman has multiple husbands simultaneously. This practice can be found in various cultures and is often linked to specific social, economic, or ecological factors that influence family structures and inheritance patterns. By understanding polyandry, we gain insights into the diverse ways societies define marriage and family roles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polyandry is most commonly practiced in parts of Tibet, Nepal, and northern India, where it can help manage land and resources among families.
2. In some cultures practicing polyandry, it is often fraternal, meaning brothers share a wife, which helps keep family land intact.
3. Polyandry can serve as a social strategy to reduce population growth and limit the division of inheritance among heirs.
4. The structure of polyandrous families can lead to cooperative labor arrangements and shared responsibilities among husbands.
5. Cultural perceptions of gender roles and kinship influence the acceptance and practice of polyandry in societies around the world.

Review Questions

• How does polyandry differ from other marriage practices like monogamy and polygyny in terms of social organization?
  • Polyandry differs significantly from monogamy and polygyny as it allows for a woman to have multiple husbands at once, creating unique social dynamics. In contrast, monogamy involves one spouse for each partner, while polygyny permits a man to have multiple wives. The practice of polyandry often arises from specific cultural needs such as resource management or population control, leading to different family structures and societal roles.
• What are some economic or ecological factors that might promote the practice of polyandry in certain cultures?
  • Economic factors that promote polyandry include the need to consolidate resources within families to manage limited land effectively, especially in harsh environmental conditions. Ecological factors such as agricultural sustainability can also play a role; by having fewer heirs through polyandrous marriages, families can prevent land fragmentation and ensure better livelihood security. This arrangement allows families to maintain their economic stability in regions where resources are scarce.
• Evaluate the implications of polyandry on family dynamics and gender roles within societies that practice it.
  • Polyandry significantly impacts family dynamics by fostering collaboration among husbands, who may share responsibilities and resources more equitably than in more traditional setups. It challenges conventional gender roles by placing women in positions of authority within these relationships, where they may manage multiple husbands while coordinating family affairs. This can lead to shifts in societal norms regarding masculinity and femininity, redefining how individuals relate to each other within the framework of marriage.

Related terms

monogamy:

A marriage practice where an individual has only one spouse at a time.

polygyny:

A marriage system in which a man has multiple wives at the same time.

bride price:

A cultural practice where the groom or his family pays a certain amount to the bride's family, often associated with marriage arrangements.