Polygamy: The practice of one man or woman having multiple spouses. Polygyny refers to a man who has multiple wives. While a woman who has multiple husbands is called polyandry. Plural marriages however can be any combination of the above.

The history of polygamy

Throughout history, every Emperor, King or Chief had a Queen consort as well as other recognised wives and concubines. The purpose of having multiple ‘wives’ was to provide an heir. More children increases the likelihood that a male child would survive into adulthood. Multiple marriages also reflected the status of the individual and could help to form diplomatic relations through alliances.

Polygamy was not limited to royalty alone as upper class men also engaged in it. In more recent history, different religions have also practised non-monogamy.

Today The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (LDS) is the most famous formerly polygamous religion. It is commonly known as Mormonism.

For further information about polygamy and the various cultures that have practised it, we recommend this article.

Mormonism and polyamory

Mormonism (as in The Book of Mormon) began in upstate New York during the 1820s. Initially led by Joseph Smith until his death in 1844, followers adhered to the rules Smith gave. When they experienced hostility to their faith in the wake of Smith’s death, Brigham Young led them West. The ‘Mormon corridor’ grew as new settlements were built across the Plains as the group travelled.

Ultimately the Latter Day Saints settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. From 1852, plural marriage became public knowledge wit 20-30% of the population participating in it. Some sources explain the reason polygamy started was due to economics. The influx of immigrants and general life expectancy meant that there were more single women than men. As a result, Elders agreed that men who were able to provide for a wife should take a second.

This helped to unite a harmonious family-driven society and prevent single women being vulnerable. Women would often resort to prostitution if they were without a father or brother to provide for them. Marriage fixed this issue. However Feminist critics dispute that it could benefit women to become a ‘sister wife.’

The concept of sororal polygyny strictly would entail marrying sisters from the same family or more often marrying women who then behave as if they are sisters thereby forming a single household. Historically, it was okay for a man to marry his brother’s widow.

For more information on Mormonism, one of the main sites explaining the principles of the faith is: https://www.mormon.org/site/home

Why is polygamy illegal?

The LDS banned polygamy in 1890 and discontinued it over the following 15 years. Public opinions changed to reject it as immoral. In 1906 Utah became part of the United States as the rejection of ‘fundamentalist’ polygamy was welcomed.

The Mormon Church rejects those who still engage in polygamy and disapprove of the practice. Feminist groups argue that this system exploits and can abuse women in a patriarchal society. This is due to reports of underage and forced marriages which trap women in relationships.

The law will consider the first marriage legal but any subsequent ‘marriages’ have no legal protection. Some counter that polygamy is acceptable when participants treat each other equally and all consent to the arrangement.

Polygamy vs polyamory

Some claim to love multiple people at the same time and so engage in multiple relationships. This is polyamory which translates to ‘many loves.’ Whereas swinging focuses on sex, polyamory promotes long term relationships and fa.

In polyamory, a couple may have relationships with another person in an equal dynamic. Another structure would include primary and secondary partners involved.

Is polygamy lifestyle for you?

Polygamy is the subject of debate but as society becomes more liberal, more people are exploring alternative relationship structures. Whether this is polyamory or swinging, the nuclear family is increasingly more common.

If you’re curious about shaking up your lifestyle, check out our article: How to have a threesome.