Polygamy and Impact on Family Dynamics

3054 Words13 Pages
Running Head: Polygamy and Impact on Family Dynamics Polygamy and Impact on Family Dynamics Angela Addington Bakersfield College Professor Sarah King ANTH C111 ABSTRACT Growing up in the United States, people claim they are "open-minded", yet criticize the unknown. One notable example is the concept of marriage. The westernized definition of marriage is defined as the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. However, marriage by that definition is not universally accurate. Throughout the world marriage takes various forms, from same-sex marriage to polygamous marriages, most of which are subject to criticism within the context and setting of human rights as is any structural aspect of a society. Despite criticism and disdain of many western civilizations, the practice of polygamy has continued. This paper is aimed to explore and examine polygamy throughout the world and the impacts within the family structure by examining both sides of the controversial practice. Today, Americans live in"an era of plural, diverse, and heterogeneous beliefs and values, cultural subgroups, and lifestyle" (Altman & Ginat, 1996, p. 5), which are likely to intensify in the future as a result of changes in both the demographic and social landscape of America and the Western world. Centrifugal and pluralist forces increase in the wake of geopolitical changes that are altering character of once stable nation-states. "The effect of these changes is compounded by large-scale migrations; present and projected shifting demographics within nations, including the United States; an expanding global economy, which is tying the fate of people around the world together; and the potential for war and terrorism in the hands of small or unstable nations and ideological groups.
Open Document