Monogamy versus Polygamy: Analyzing Societal Promotions and Biological Realities

The age-old question of why societies promote monogamy over polygamy has intrigued many. Even with reported gender ratios favoring men, the societal preference for monogamous relationships persists. This article explores the reasons behind monogamous promotion, the current gender imbalance, and the practical challenges of polygamous relationships.

Why Monogamy is Promoted

It is not simply an assumption that more women than men would make polygamy a viable societal norm. Despite the advent of the internet and social media, which offer unprecedented flexibility in relationships, many societies, particularly the Western ones, still promote monogamy. This preference is deep-rooted and can be attributed to several factors, including legal systems, social norms, and the physiological and psychological demands of larger families.

Furthermore, monogamy simplifies the legal framework, making it easier to manage child support, medical insurance, and other family-related expenses. In a monogamous relationship, the legal and emotional responsibilities are straightforward, whereas polygamy introduces complexities that can lead to financial strain, legal disputes, and emotional stresses.

Current Gender Ratios

Unsurprisingly, the gender ratio in the world is not as imbalanced as one might think. According to recent data from the World Population Prospects, there are only slightly more men than women. As of 2020, there were 102 men for every 100 women worldwide. This figure translates to 504 men and 496 women per 1,000 people. While the ratio varies by region, the global trend is closer to balance than a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio might suggest.

However, it is important to note that in some regions, predominantly those with higher rates of selective abortion due to cultural preferences for male offspring, the gender imbalance can be more pronounced. For instance, in some parts of Asia, the gender ratio can be significantly skewed, leading to a state of surplus men, which can indeed present challenges for societal stability and economic development.

The Challenges of Polygamy

Given the financial and practical challenges of maintaining multiple partnerships, why does society not promote polygamy more openly? The primary reasons include the following:

Financial burdens: Supporting multiple spouses and children can be financially daunting. A man's income often needs to be sufficient to meet the needs of all his wives and their children, which can be extremely challenging. Legal and administrative complexities: Polygamous families can face numerous legal challenges, including issues with child support, inheritance, and family benefits. The legal system is designed around monogamous relationships, making it difficult to provide the same protections and rights to polygamous families. Psychological and emotional challenges: Polygamous relationships often introduce issues related to jealousy, competition, and the dissolution of emotional bonds. Maintaining a stable and harmonious family unit under such conditions can be incredibly difficult. Ethical and cultural considerations: Some societies and cultures may view polygamy as unethical, leading to social and cultural resistance. This resistance can manifest in the form of community ostracization, legal penalties, and a lack of social support for polygamous families. Health risks: Polygamy can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other health issues, as people from different partnerships can easily exchange partners, leading to a higher likelihood of disease transmission.

Although the instances of polygamous families persist, these relationships often exist on the fringes of mainstream society. In some cases, individuals choose to practice polygamy when they have the means to do so and are not constrained by legal or social pressure to conform to monogamy. However, these families often face significant challenges, as illustrated by the story of the writer and their polyamorous experience.

A Polyamorous Experience

The writer and their partner were polyamorous for over three decades. During this period, they managed to maintain a stable and thriving family, but they also faced numerous challenges. When their partner stopped working, they encountered financial difficulties in providing for another family member. Additionally, the legal and emotional complexities of having multiple partners made it difficult to navigate legal and administrative issues related to child support, medical insurance, and other family matters.

The couple eventually faced challenges that led to the breakdown of their polyamorous relationship. One of the key factors was the lack of legal rights and protections for partners in polygamous relationships. Due to the lack of such protections, the couple was forced to make difficult choices when one of their partners needed to leave the family. Moreover, the financial strains of maintaining multiple families and the legal and ethical complexities of managing relationships and child support contributed to the eventual separation.

These experiences highlight the complexities and challenges of polygamous relationships. While the world is predominantly monogamous, the reasons for this preference are not solely based on the current gender ratio, but also on practical, legal, and ethical considerations. The inability to support multiple families, the complexity of legal and financial issues, and the practical challenges of maintaining emotional stability are key factors that have led to the continued promotion of monogamy in most societies.