Posted by:
amellifera
(
)
Date: February 19, 2012 05:25PM
I actually don't have any problem with people who enjoy open relationships or polyamory. It's not for me, but... Consenting adults and all that. But this is a situation in which men and only men are allowed to take multiple wives. It is inherently sexist. And it inherently teaches the children a sexist mindset. A recent study indicates that polygamy, wherever it is practiced in the world and no matter what "form" it takes, leads to very real social problems. These include a diminished role for women and more crime. Because there is an equal ratio of sexes, women become a commodity to fathers who seek social power. Older men "collect" women and younger men are more likely to fall into drugs and crime. The reasons for that can be debated. Is it that families and children "occupy" them, or is it frustration with a system that allows them no social power? Both? It also increases problems with child welfare. They studied many many polygamous cultures.
http://www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/2012/01/23/monogamy-reduces-major-social-problems-of-polygamist-cultures/There are also some very logical and realistic problems with allowing polygamy legally. Our legal system is simply not equipped to handle it. How do you structure property rights, child custody in case of divorce, welfare (if necessary), which wife makes the decisions in the hospital, etc.?