Polygamy and Monogamy

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses polygamy and monogamy in Europe and the United States. Through a discussion of the history of both of these lifestyles, cross cultural beliefs are examined, as well as religious ideals regarding marriage. The paper demonstrates that while there are many that believe that polygamy is a sin, other groups contend that it is beneficial for society, and that it should be accepted within the world order.

From the Paper:

"Early history in Europe suggests that societies were predominantly equal between men and women. Shotwell and Thorndike contend that women in earlier European societies were looked upon as prophetesses that gave wise counsel, and warriors that aided their male counterparts in battle (12). Within early tribes women were significant members of the social order, and enjoyed a respectful relationship with all those in their communities (Shotwell & Thorndike 12). These societies were, for the most part, polygamous, and marriages "were not contracted" (Shotwell & Thorndike 12). Kevin Macdonald contends that early in the twelfth century the Roman Catholic Church began to desire power, and mandates regarding the monogamy of Christians were developed. MacDonald's research indicates that the Roman Catholic Church believed that males should only have one wife, and that the practice of priests being allowed to marry was a sin (23). "

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