what is wrong with polygamy?

Answer 1

Polygamy messes up the concept of identity... an individual is identified based on his/her mother and father. Therefore, if the parents are unknown, the person will not have an upbringing solidified by the character and influence of both parents.

This applies to the father only... since there is no doubt who the mother is. This is the reason why some cultures are accepting of a male having several wives. The other reason is that men have historically been providers for women and in areas where males have been wiped out because of war (women outnumber men worldwide), men take on the responsiblilty of caring for a women and her children.

Many of the problems in society today have to do with the break down of the family structure. The concept of 'paternity testing' is vulgar when you think about it... since the situation brings about doubt and resentment in the individual whose identity is being determined (or needs to get determined).

This observation is not based on my opinion (I think it should NOT be done and I would NEVER allow it. However, what's good for me should not dictate what the rest of the world does. Alot of people do not grasp that concept and are judgmental of others.).
I acknowledge the ethical and theological foundation behind the practice of polygamy.

Answer 2

Technically, it is difficult to explain why it should be illegal. In reality, it allows men to "purchase" (with a dowry) and obtain very young women, sometimes teenagers, for the purpose of marrying.

Ok, so assuming all parties are consenting ADULTS. Then, you have the children in a strange living situation. The wives have to share, but they should realize that going in.

You can read more philisophical/religious arguements here:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09693a.htm

Still it does not prove the wrongness of polygamy, just the perfection of having just one wife/husband.

Answer 3

It's digusting, someone shouldn't have more then one wife unless there is an EXTREMLY VERY VERY good reason for it. Some people think that mormons practice poligamy, which is a very common misconception. They haven't done that since the 1800's, and even then it wasn't something that they could just do if they wanted to. A lot of the pioneers, (thanks to certain individuals driving them out of their homes) died while traveling. A lot of the women lost their husbands and they still had children and themselves to take care of, so certain men (who were considered to be very good and trustworthy) were asked to marry some of these women just so that they could have someone helping them. So as i said, not just anyone was alowed, if someone asked to have another wife they'd probably get a nasty lecture.

Answer 4

-fourteen year old girls are being married to sixty year old men
-young men are being kicked out of their own towns so older men can marry the young girls.
-many women cant get out of a marriage.
-other wives can be very jealous
-some women are being married against their will
-incest/interbreeding
-other problems you can find in a regular marriage

+i believe polygamy should be allowed if both parties (the male and female) are okay with the decision and no one is force to to do anything against their will.. ~young one~

Answer 5

Why is it that only men get to par-take in polygamy? Why can't a woman have more than one husband?

Answer 6

Personally, I'm sticking with monogamy...I think it would be OK if in polygamous societies, women were allowed the option of having more than one husband, but they aren't...I would say if everyone involved was really OK with it... what consenting adults do is their business as long as they aren't hurting others...

Answer 7

The fact that its practiced by wierdos without any good genetic material to pass on to the next generation is quite disturbing.

Answer 8

In today's society, the possibilty of getting and spreading a sexual transmitted infection, espeically the uncurable ones like herpes and the infamous HIV/AIDS.

Answer 9

Would you like to be the third or fourth party in a marriage or can you handle it if your spouse slept with three other people?

Answer 10

what is wrong with polygamy? All the other wives!!!!!!!