poligám

Poligám is a term derived from the Greek words "polys" meaning "many" and "gamos" meaning "marriage." It refers to a practice or state of having more than one spouse simultaneously. This contrasts with monogamy, which involves marriage to only one person. Polygamy is a broad term that encompasses several distinct forms, primarily polygyny and polyandry.

Polygyny is the most common form of polygamy, where one man is married to multiple women. This practice has been observed in various cultures and religions throughout history and continues to exist in some societies today. Reasons for polygyny can be economic, social, or religious, often linked to factors like inheritance, social status, or the desire for a larger family.

Polyandry, conversely, is a rarer form where one woman is married to multiple men. This practice is less widespread than polygyny and is typically found in specific socio-economic contexts, such as in regions with scarce resources or where there is a strong preference for male offspring. Examples of polyandry have been documented in parts of Tibet, Nepal, and India.

A related concept is group marriage, where multiple men are married to multiple women within the same group. This is the least common form of polygamy. It is important to distinguish polygamy from bigamy, which is the illegal act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another in jurisdictions where monogamy is the legally recognized form of marriage.