polygynia

Polygynia is a term sometimes used in anthropological or historical contexts to describe polygyny, the marriage pattern in which a man has more than one wife at the same time. The more common English term is polygyny, derived from Greek poly- meaning "many" and gyné meaning "woman." In scholarly writing, polygyny is contrasted with monogamy (one spouse) and polyandry (one wife with multiple husbands).

Across cultures and history, polygyny has appeared in various societies, often for economic, political, or kinship reasons. The practice is not universal; its prevalence depends on legal, religious, and economic factors as well as cultural norms. In many settings, wealthier or more powerful men are more likely to have multiple wives, while co-wives may contribute labor, child care, and resources to the household. Forms can include sororal polygyny, where co-wives are sisters, and serial polygyny, in which a man remarries after a wife’s death or divorce.

In modern times, legal status and social attitudes toward polygynia vary widely. Some countries prohibit or restrict polygyny, while others permit it under certain religious or customary laws. Critics argue that polygyny can reinforce gender inequality and limit women’s autonomy, whereas supporters may cite social security, welfare for widowed or poor women, or adherence to cultural or religious traditions. The study of polygyny also intersects with models of family economics, such as the polygyny threshold model, which analyzes how resource availability affects the decision to take additional wives.

See also: Monogamy, Polyandry, Sororal polygyny, Polygyny threshold model.