Polygamy, by Jean Kédine

Discover another side of Akele marriage this week, with this new video raising the question of polygamy.

The term comes from ancient Greek poly (several) and gamos (marriage), and referres to any kind of matrimonial union involving a person, man or woman, getting married with over one spouse. Polygamy can be either polygyny, the mariage of a man and several women, or polyandry, that of a woman with several men. Polyandry being rather scarce, the term polygamy is commonly used in reference to polygyny.

The practice of polygamy, very ancient, is widely spread in Africa. On a social point of view, polygamy is a way to join other groups or circles, and it is possibly an element of prestige. Polygamous marriages are also an advantage on the economic level, as the work and knowledge of the women involved contribute to the household management. Besides, having several wives implies a greater amount of children, and thus the hope of a better support when gaining age.

Polygamy is usually condemned in the West, socially and legally, especially in regards to the situation of women in this type of union. De facto, the advantages mentionned above are clearly in favor of the husband. So what’s in it for the women ? What’s their own vision of this practice which often brings to mind the possible competition among the spouses ?

In many African societies the first wife benefits from prerogatives and a higher status, while her own children are considered at the same level as those of the other wives. Other communities see it the other way round: the wives are treated equally, while the children enjoy different status. Therefore, rivalry among spouses is all but rare, and often translates into a struggle for the husband’s favors, or to ensure their offspring with a comfortable situation.

This being said, the co-spouses might sometimes turn the whole game around and act together against their husband. What also happens is that the first wife might ask for another one so she can assist her in the many domestic tasks she has to deal with.

Let’s have a look at this particular case. Jean Kédine tells us here about how polygamy fits into the Akele community (Gabon). Ladies, some of the justifications you’ll hear might leave you just skeptical…