Why isn't polygamy legal?

Question

1. Humans are naturally polygamous.

Evidence: Humans are a sexually dimorphic species. Sexual dimorphism is defined as differences in size between males and females of a species. It only exists in polygamous mating systems (and there are no exceptions). If the average human male is 6'0" and 85 kgs and the average female is 5'2" and 50 kgs then dimorphism is at least 40%. Also ALL hominids (our closest relatives in an evolutionary context including chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans) have a polygamous mating system.

2. Polygamy benefits women.

Evidence: A woman always gets to choose her mate and she can have ANY man she wants (sexual dimorphism results from female choice and intersexual and intrasexual competition for mates). In polygyny a female always get to mate but because the ratio of males to females must remain 1:1 this means only a few males get to mate (typically the strongest and fittest males). E.g. If a man mates with on average 10 women then only the top 10% of males get the opportunity to mate and pass on their genes. This has the effect on improving the fitness of a species.

Answer 1

Honestly I do not know.  I find it much more acceptable than those who go around s******g everything in sight..which is for some reason perfectly legal, even encouraged at times.

I think the big problem many have with it is it's image.  Because there have been several cases of child abuse among polygamous relationships and institutions many feel that it encourages child abuse or child brides.  But to me, it goes back to the logic question...Not all A's (polygamists) are B's (child abusers) and not all B's are A's.

While I am in no way interested in polygamy and believe I am suited best in a monogamous relationship, I do believe this is discrimination.

Answer 2

Its un-ethical to todays standards of life.

Answer 3

I would not be happy in a polyamorous relationship, and I cannot think of many people who would be-- regardless of who it was that had multiple partners.

Answer 4

Polygamy doesn't benefit women unless they can have more than one husband.

Answer 5

Why can't I have three husbands?

Answer 6

Polygamy has many many problems. It may seem on the surface that it could benefit some of the participants but it has a huge negative effect on society and its workings.

For example if people had a more than one spouse- who would we listen to in times of distress?? such as the husband has been injured severely and we need medical consent and both of his wifes have different opinions about his medical care- That could potentially be a HUGE problem.

Also when it comes down to benefits that spouses attain during marriage- It would open up situations where people get married to share benefits (ie: medical) and that would put stresses on an already stressed system.

Polygamy is a nightmare to society- People can be with as many people as they want but they should only be allowed to marry ONE.

Answer 7

Many argue that much of the terrorism the West faces now is fueld by frustration of poor men in polygymous socieites:

Answer 8

Yes, but it's all about property rights as far as the state is concerned, & until recently in most places women didn't count in most states.

  & I'd disagree w/your second proof on a few counts, I mean improving the species sounds great & all, but I don't believe that only the strongest & fittest males will be mating in any realistic human scenario.

  Real life is much messier than that, & history has never favored meritocracy as a framework for continuance.

  Additionally, the traits favoring a low population density become a disadvantage, or at least have to be severely curtailed once a high population density is achieved.

  But anyways, property rights, & you might as well be asking why we can't treat the two sexes truly equally.

  As a Thai restaurant owner on the Simpsons once said:

"Drunken jock-acracy, baseball caps everywhere......"

Answer 9

Women invariably have a lower status in polygamous societies.  Furthermore, if a lot of men are going around unable to find mates, this is not going to make for a happy human race.  A lot of men are frustrated and lonely.

We are not gorillas or chimpanzees.  And orang utans , so I have always understood, live on their own, they are not sociable animals.  Human beings have evolved in different ways from other species.

Anyway, can you reall afford to support the families of 10 women?  How many men actually can do that?  And can you keep on satisfying ten women sexually?  And anyway, are you absolutely sure that you would be in the top 10%?  And what if you're not?  What then, eh?

I daresay it is natural for other species of primates to be polygamous.  It is also natural for them to sleep in trees and live on raw fruit.  Humans have devised different ways of doing things.  Get used to it.

Answer 10

Humans aren't animals. We have rational (most of the time..) thoughts, complex languages and loads of feelings (I know some animals have too but we have more-more complex ones versus primary emotions).

And the studies that I have seen, in cultures where polygamy is the norm, women are often in a disadvantage. They stay home and the husband has to provide to all of his wives and children. Usually the first wife is like the boss and gets the best stuff for herself and her children. There is jealousy involved too.

And what about sexual transmitted diseases?

I believe there is soulmates, your better half, someone you are truly meant to be with. I don't think you can share yourself with three or four other people.

Answer 11

Polygamy is legal in some areas, although it generally only applies to one gender and not others.

Where it isn't legal, it is usually because their legal system reflected the sensibilities of the dominant religion at that time and place (generally Christianity as many modern legal systems find their origins in Britain). In such places it will require considerable campaigning to make it legal. I'd support such a campaign.

Answer 12

We have been trained by social norms to view it as distasteful.

You have provided empirical facts which actually transcend those norms and ethical questions yet people remain arrogant enough to believe they can pass judgment on a natural fact. Is it morally wrong for the ocean to drown people? Pointless question, it just does

Answer 13

Discounting the whole pass on the genes issue, because so few consider that when choosing a mate/partner, I don't see why anyone cannot have as many spouses as they desire, of whatever s*x they desire. There doesn't appear to be any logical reason for it not to be legal. If a male or female wants multiple partners in marriage, let 'em have at it...as long as everyone is of legal age and consenting, why not?

Answer 14

Um, I don't know why Polygamy isn't legal, but your reasons are not the best,

Firstly, humans do not need to base their behavoiur on apes (infanticide is considered normal in close primate societies for example) and sexual bimorphicy doesn't not dictate polygamy. Also, naturally we have the jealousy instict, so psychologically we are not pre-disposed to peaceful monogamous situations (evolutionary psychology and mate selection - both genders benefit from fidelity).

Secondly: You only discuss polygyny, polygamy would be more appropriate in todays soceity. Both polygyny or polyandry result in a lack of partners for many males/females, which may cause societal problems, assuming this ever became widely practised. We don't need to increase the fitness of our species, at least not through mate selection.

But otherwise; there's not real reason it shouldn't be legally available for those who wish to practise it and marry; it's not morally wrong if both are fully informed, and it's not going to cause the collapse of society any time soon.