Poliandria

Poliandria is a form of polygamy that involves a woman having two or more husbands simultaneously. This practice is relatively rare compared to polygyny, where a man has multiple wives. Poliandria is found in various cultures across the globe, though it is not widespread.

In societies where poliandria is practiced, it often serves specific social and economic functions. For example, it can be a mechanism to keep land holdings within a family or to ensure adequate male support for a woman and her children. It can also be a response to demographic imbalances, such as a shortage of men. The social structures surrounding poliandria vary significantly, influencing the relationships between the co-husbands and the woman, as well as the roles of children within the family.

The exact reasons for the prevalence or absence of poliandria are complex and debated among anthropologists and sociologists. Factors such as cultural norms, religious beliefs, economic pressures, and kinship systems all play a role. In most societies worldwide, monogamy is the legally recognized and socially accepted form of marriage.