As I am reading over my blogs I am actually surprised at how I originally viewed polygyny. I feel as though so much has changed in my understanding and feelings towards this culture. Honestly I didn’t think this would happen, I knew how I felt about polygyny, it was wrong in so many ways, and I didn’t think I would ever feel any differently. Now when I talk to friends about this culture I find myself defending it if for no other reason than because it’s a culture that deserves respect just like any other.
Polygyny can make sense. I have discovered many characteristics of polygyny which are positive whereas I used to only see the negative. For example the large families generally produced by polygyny can be seen as extensive support systems unique to this culture. Another unique aspect of polygyny which I had never really considered was the relationships of sisterwives. Though this may not be true in all instances but in many the bond of sisterwives is intimate and fulfilling. This relationship is not possible outside of polygyny and can’t even really be equated to any relationship found in monogamist culture. Both of these examples demonstrate some of the positive aspects of polygyny I have explored of which there are more.
I have also learned through this experience of writing a blog that though it is easy to agree with my own culture and its practices because that is what I am most familiar with, this doesn’t mean that it is right, or wrong. I understand that every culture is different and the differences don’t make one culture better than another, just simply different. This has made me reevaluate how I view other cultures, but also how I view my own. Maybe things I thought I understood or believed in don’t mean the same thing. In discovering the cultural relativism of polygyny I understand the cultural relativism of all cultures in general.
I still don’t think that I will ever experience this culture first hand, but I have a better understanding of those who do. Though this study only slightly improved my overall knowledge of this culture, I still believe that there is much to learn, it definitely increased my interest and I hope to continue to explore and understand polygyny.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Polygyny from and Anthropological Point of View
I have really been exploring this topic from a singular point of view and looking at the different aspects of polygenic culture independently. Because of this I don’t feel like I have fully understood the culture in terms of humanity and the overall study of humans, as we do in anthropology.
Polygenetic culture exhibits different family dynamics, gender roles and in most instances importance of religion compared to typical American monogamist culture. I am interested in looking at these distinctions from an anthropological point of view and because of this desire to broadly explore polygyny I will be generalizing about the culture though I understand that there is much variation within polygyny as in any culture.
Distinct family dynamics are identified with polygyny. In general the man takes on a more powerful role as the central provider for the family. This is also the general role of the male in a monogamist relationship but I think that in polygyny this is more expected and exaggerated. The women are the caretakers and homemakers. Though many work outside the home in addition to this traditional role, their first priorities are as wives and mothers. These familial dynamics also describe the gender roles prescribed by polygyny. In general women do not have equivalent power as men, polygyny is a patriarchal culture.
The religious aspect of Mormon polygyny, which I was trying to focus on in order to concentrate my study, is an important part of this culture. Religion is a universal theme, found in all cultures. Research has shown that religions which require believers to sacrifice more in the name of faith have more loyal followers and therefore the church is more secure. I believe that polygyny as a requirement of certain sects of Mormon religion is an example of this. By practicing polygyny followers demonstrate their loyalty to the faith and this secures the presence and power of the church which is better able to strongly continue.
Polygyny as a culture is dynamic and exhibits variety, but as a study of anthropology there are distinct characteristics of this culture, especially when it is compared to mainstream monogamist American culture which I am more familiar with. These features of polygyny are what make this culture distinct.
Polygenetic culture exhibits different family dynamics, gender roles and in most instances importance of religion compared to typical American monogamist culture. I am interested in looking at these distinctions from an anthropological point of view and because of this desire to broadly explore polygyny I will be generalizing about the culture though I understand that there is much variation within polygyny as in any culture.
Distinct family dynamics are identified with polygyny. In general the man takes on a more powerful role as the central provider for the family. This is also the general role of the male in a monogamist relationship but I think that in polygyny this is more expected and exaggerated. The women are the caretakers and homemakers. Though many work outside the home in addition to this traditional role, their first priorities are as wives and mothers. These familial dynamics also describe the gender roles prescribed by polygyny. In general women do not have equivalent power as men, polygyny is a patriarchal culture.
The religious aspect of Mormon polygyny, which I was trying to focus on in order to concentrate my study, is an important part of this culture. Religion is a universal theme, found in all cultures. Research has shown that religions which require believers to sacrifice more in the name of faith have more loyal followers and therefore the church is more secure. I believe that polygyny as a requirement of certain sects of Mormon religion is an example of this. By practicing polygyny followers demonstrate their loyalty to the faith and this secures the presence and power of the church which is better able to strongly continue.
Polygyny as a culture is dynamic and exhibits variety, but as a study of anthropology there are distinct characteristics of this culture, especially when it is compared to mainstream monogamist American culture which I am more familiar with. These features of polygyny are what make this culture distinct.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Personal Perspective: Real Life Polygyny
I was ecstatic to discover that someone “out there” in the world actually read my blog, I guess I never really thought that this would happen. It made me think about the bigger picture and I was interested in what other people were writing about. I found two really interesting blogs written by women involved in polygyny, incidentally they are both third wives but lead relatively different lives. I read about their stories in the blogs “The Third” and “new#3” both posted on Blogger. I have also briefly explored a blog from the male perspective of polygyny called “My two wives”.
All of these people have made polygyny real for me. Before I started reading these blogs polygyny was simply a story in a book. I never really understood the personal experience but these blogs have given me unique insight into this culture and have allowed me to see how it works on a more personal, modern level. In general reading about other people’s experiences and thoughts on polygyny as they are living the culture has been highly educational. Some aspects that I thought I understood, such as the unique bond of sisterwives or the overall structure of a plural family, are not as simple or definable as I was making them. Just like monogamist relationships and families, polygyny can be complicated and everyone’s situation is different, whether good or bad. I am now thinking of polygyny as just another type of family in the large spectrum of situations including monogamist, gay, strait, and open, as well as more I am sure.
This exploration into other blogs has really broadened my understanding of this culture. I think of it in terms of real people now and because of this it’s not so easy to say that polygyny is negative. When I read about the feelings and beliefs of people that actually live and understand the culture of polygyny, it made me realize how much I still don’t fully comprehend.
http://3rdlady.blogspot.com
http://journeyinpluralmarriage.blogspot.com/
All of these people have made polygyny real for me. Before I started reading these blogs polygyny was simply a story in a book. I never really understood the personal experience but these blogs have given me unique insight into this culture and have allowed me to see how it works on a more personal, modern level. In general reading about other people’s experiences and thoughts on polygyny as they are living the culture has been highly educational. Some aspects that I thought I understood, such as the unique bond of sisterwives or the overall structure of a plural family, are not as simple or definable as I was making them. Just like monogamist relationships and families, polygyny can be complicated and everyone’s situation is different, whether good or bad. I am now thinking of polygyny as just another type of family in the large spectrum of situations including monogamist, gay, strait, and open, as well as more I am sure.
This exploration into other blogs has really broadened my understanding of this culture. I think of it in terms of real people now and because of this it’s not so easy to say that polygyny is negative. When I read about the feelings and beliefs of people that actually live and understand the culture of polygyny, it made me realize how much I still don’t fully comprehend.
http://3rdlady.blogspot.com
http://journeyinpluralmarriage.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Children of Polygyny
Polygyny, though generally recognized as a man with multiple wives, is more accurately described as a plural family and not just plural marriage. Generally many children are raised in this culture and I think that their presence tends to be over looked. When I originally stated my opinions on polygyny, from a completely uneducated subjective point of view, I was quick to identify negative aspects of this culture when concerning children. I thought that meaningful loving relationships would be difficult to form in these large families, and that children - especially young girls - were not treated properly, but I am now interested in looking at the possible positive aspects of raising a child in this culture as well as being a child of polygyny.
I have heard media accounts of twelve year old girls marrying sixty year old men and wide spread abuse in Mormon fundamentalist groups, but I can’t believe that this is all true. I am not denying that in some instances these horrible practices do occur, but they also take place in mainstream monogamist American culture. I have thought of positive qualities of polygenic families and some of these benefits can’t be found in a monogamist family, at least not in the same respect.
Children of modern polygyny are provided with a large diverse support system consisting of many female and male role models. This system also provides support for the parents in terms of emotional as well as financial assistance. Typical large family size requires additional help from children, but it also allows children to work together and care for one another. I think that children that grow up in polygyny are raised with a strong sense of culture and intense faith and religious beliefs important to this culture. This intern provides them with a strong sense of self and purpose.
I am not denying that there aren’t negative aspects to raising a child in a polygenic family; I am simply stating that it is much too easy to say that monogamy is right and polygyny is wrong and paint the issue black and white. There are plenty of familial problems that can be found in monogamist families. Just because I am unfamiliar with this type of child hood does not automatically make it immoral. I would be extremely interested in learning more about childhood in polygenic culture, so far my thoughts have been prompted from research books and articles; I have no knowledge of the personally experience.
I have heard media accounts of twelve year old girls marrying sixty year old men and wide spread abuse in Mormon fundamentalist groups, but I can’t believe that this is all true. I am not denying that in some instances these horrible practices do occur, but they also take place in mainstream monogamist American culture. I have thought of positive qualities of polygenic families and some of these benefits can’t be found in a monogamist family, at least not in the same respect.
Children of modern polygyny are provided with a large diverse support system consisting of many female and male role models. This system also provides support for the parents in terms of emotional as well as financial assistance. Typical large family size requires additional help from children, but it also allows children to work together and care for one another. I think that children that grow up in polygyny are raised with a strong sense of culture and intense faith and religious beliefs important to this culture. This intern provides them with a strong sense of self and purpose.
I am not denying that there aren’t negative aspects to raising a child in a polygenic family; I am simply stating that it is much too easy to say that monogamy is right and polygyny is wrong and paint the issue black and white. There are plenty of familial problems that can be found in monogamist families. Just because I am unfamiliar with this type of child hood does not automatically make it immoral. I would be extremely interested in learning more about childhood in polygenic culture, so far my thoughts have been prompted from research books and articles; I have no knowledge of the personally experience.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Modern Polygyny in the Media
I have never really been one to watch an excessive amount of television, so it’s not surprising that I have never heard of the popular HBO series BIG LOVE. This show explores the life of a modern day polygenic family in Utah. The husband/ father – Bill Hendrickson – is married to three women and has seven children. The show explores issues of the average American middle class family, but from an atypical kind of point of view.
Personally I think that it portrays polygyny in a very favorable light. The wives are close friends and have an interestingly “normal” relationship with their shared husband. At this point my only experience of this show is through clips posted on the HBO website, but hopefully I will be able to explore this presentation of the modern polygenic family to a greater extent as I watch the series.
I am interested in how this show has changed society’s view of polygyny, from all perspectives. Just watching the short clips taken from the series I find that I can accept the culture further, but more than that – I am better able to see it in a positive light. Something about seeing this culture portrayed by mainstream American media makes it more acceptable and even somewhat “normal”.
http://www.hbo.com/biglove/index.html
Personally I think that it portrays polygyny in a very favorable light. The wives are close friends and have an interestingly “normal” relationship with their shared husband. At this point my only experience of this show is through clips posted on the HBO website, but hopefully I will be able to explore this presentation of the modern polygenic family to a greater extent as I watch the series.
I am interested in how this show has changed society’s view of polygyny, from all perspectives. Just watching the short clips taken from the series I find that I can accept the culture further, but more than that – I am better able to see it in a positive light. Something about seeing this culture portrayed by mainstream American media makes it more acceptable and even somewhat “normal”.
http://www.hbo.com/biglove/index.html
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Relationship of Sisterwives
As I continued my research I came across Women of Principle: Female Networking in Contemporary Mormon Polygyny, the work of Janet Bennion. Bennion’s book, “is a study of women who convert to the Apostolic United Brethren (the “Allreds”), a highly rigid, patriarchal Mormon polygynous community in the Intermountain West” (Bennion, 1998). Bennion performed field work within this community and discovered much about the culture of polygyny.
One aspect of polygenic culture that I found particularly interesting was the relationship shared by sisterwives. Women admitted to feeling jealous of their new sister-wives at times and described how difficult polygyny could be but they reaffirm their feelings of agreement with the practice of polygyny. Plural wives viewed polygyny as positive and one of the benefits they described was the strong important relationships between sisterwives. “The significance of kinship among sisterwives is that women who live near female relations reinforce each other and protect each other’s interests, whether emotional, economic, or religious” (Bennion, 1998, pg. 91). The women see these relationships as unique and important. One woman compared polygenic and monogamous women and their relationships in a very interesting light:
In monogamy you are tied to a husband for economic sustenance, entertainment, conversation, comradeship, and emotional stimulation. But a polygynous wife is free and independent by necessity and makes her ties with other women. When a monogamous wife doesn’t have him [the husband] around, and with no other sisterwives around, she is helpless. Where does she get the friendship, the moral support? A polygynist wife has it all” (Bennion, 1998, pg. 96)
I have never thought of polygyny in this way; the relationship of sisterwives is a vital part of polygenic culture and is very unique compared to female relationships within monogamist culture. This is a type or relationship/bond that I will never experience. I have always thought of the negative, demeaning, aspects of polygyny, but I truly believe that sisterwife relationships are an important positive part of polygyny. This relationship is something that these women do in order to make polygyny work.
Bennion, Janet. Women of principle [electronic resource] : female networking in contemporary Mormon polygyny. New York, NY: Oxford UP, 1998.
One aspect of polygenic culture that I found particularly interesting was the relationship shared by sisterwives. Women admitted to feeling jealous of their new sister-wives at times and described how difficult polygyny could be but they reaffirm their feelings of agreement with the practice of polygyny. Plural wives viewed polygyny as positive and one of the benefits they described was the strong important relationships between sisterwives. “The significance of kinship among sisterwives is that women who live near female relations reinforce each other and protect each other’s interests, whether emotional, economic, or religious” (Bennion, 1998, pg. 91). The women see these relationships as unique and important. One woman compared polygenic and monogamous women and their relationships in a very interesting light:
In monogamy you are tied to a husband for economic sustenance, entertainment, conversation, comradeship, and emotional stimulation. But a polygynous wife is free and independent by necessity and makes her ties with other women. When a monogamous wife doesn’t have him [the husband] around, and with no other sisterwives around, she is helpless. Where does she get the friendship, the moral support? A polygynist wife has it all” (Bennion, 1998, pg. 96)
I have never thought of polygyny in this way; the relationship of sisterwives is a vital part of polygenic culture and is very unique compared to female relationships within monogamist culture. This is a type or relationship/bond that I will never experience. I have always thought of the negative, demeaning, aspects of polygyny, but I truly believe that sisterwife relationships are an important positive part of polygyny. This relationship is something that these women do in order to make polygyny work.
Bennion, Janet. Women of principle [electronic resource] : female networking in contemporary Mormon polygyny. New York, NY: Oxford UP, 1998.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Religious Motivations for Practicing Polygyny
I have been conducting research on this topic and I found that the most common reason given for practicing polygyny is the fact that it was commanded by God. “…Polygamy was a revelation received by Joseph Smith, and members of the Church could not receive their highest exaltation in the post-earth life unless they obeyed the commandment of plural marriage” (Embry, 1987). Though Mormons who practice polygyny have not heard directly from God that this is what they must do, they believe that this declaration is coming from God through Smith.
Those that practice polygyny believe that it is not only sanctioned by God but that it is something expected of them. Priests of the Catholic Church take a vow of celibacy because this is what they must do for God to show their faith, they do not question this requirement. They know that if they want to enjoy heavenly life after death they must do as God commands.
Living in these religious societies God is the important ruler, much more significant than the law or government. People follow what they believe he wants of them for fear of the alternative. “…in order to reach the highest degree of the celestial kingdom – life in the presence of God where they would be able to create worlds, continue to produce spirit progeny to people them, and become like God – would be withheld from those who did not participate in plural marriage” (Embry, 1987). The greatest authority that these people know is God and so they must follow what he commands.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Those that practice polygyny believe that it is not only sanctioned by God but that it is something expected of them. Priests of the Catholic Church take a vow of celibacy because this is what they must do for God to show their faith, they do not question this requirement. They know that if they want to enjoy heavenly life after death they must do as God commands.
Living in these religious societies God is the important ruler, much more significant than the law or government. People follow what they believe he wants of them for fear of the alternative. “…in order to reach the highest degree of the celestial kingdom – life in the presence of God where they would be able to create worlds, continue to produce spirit progeny to people them, and become like God – would be withheld from those who did not participate in plural marriage” (Embry, 1987). The greatest authority that these people know is God and so they must follow what he commands.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Brief History of Polygyny in the United States
I wanted to know more about the history of polygyny, maybe by understanding how this culture originated I can better understand its practice as a whole. In 1841 the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Joseph Smith, first introduced the practice of polygyny to his followers (Christiansen, 1963). There is evidence that he may have preached informally of polygyny before this date, but this isn’t clear. Smith reported that plural marriage was a divine revelation from God. In order for his followers to achieve the highest possible position in death, one must follow the command of God and practice polygyny so as to populate the earth with the faithful.
Polygyny was practiced by the Mormon Church following this declaration, though it was strongly opposed by the non-Mormon public. In 1862 the Morrill Act was passed by Congress and prohibited plural marriage in the United States territories (Embry, 1987). A number of bills concerning the prohibition of polygamy in the United States followed the Morrill Act, including the Cullom Bill in 1870 which called for greater federal control concerning plural marriage, but was not successfully passed by Congress (Embry, 1987).
Mormons continued to practice plural marriage, believing that they were protected by the Bill of Rights and its Freedom of Religion clause. When a case involving plural marriage was brought to trial the Supreme Court, in 1879, upheld the Morrill Act, stating: “Laws are made for the government of actions, and while they cannot interfere with mere religious belief and opinions, they may with practices” (Embry, 1987). Since this decision there have been other legal rulings regarding polygyny. Today polygyny is still illegal in the United States, though it has an underground following.
Christiansen, John R. "Contemporary Mormons' Attidudes toward Polygynous Practices." May 1963. National Council on Family Relations. 18 Sept. 2008 http://www.jstor.org/stable/349176.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Polygyny was practiced by the Mormon Church following this declaration, though it was strongly opposed by the non-Mormon public. In 1862 the Morrill Act was passed by Congress and prohibited plural marriage in the United States territories (Embry, 1987). A number of bills concerning the prohibition of polygamy in the United States followed the Morrill Act, including the Cullom Bill in 1870 which called for greater federal control concerning plural marriage, but was not successfully passed by Congress (Embry, 1987).
Mormons continued to practice plural marriage, believing that they were protected by the Bill of Rights and its Freedom of Religion clause. When a case involving plural marriage was brought to trial the Supreme Court, in 1879, upheld the Morrill Act, stating: “Laws are made for the government of actions, and while they cannot interfere with mere religious belief and opinions, they may with practices” (Embry, 1987). Since this decision there have been other legal rulings regarding polygyny. Today polygyny is still illegal in the United States, though it has an underground following.
Christiansen, John R. "Contemporary Mormons' Attidudes toward Polygynous Practices." May 1963. National Council on Family Relations. 18 Sept. 2008 http://www.jstor.org/stable/349176.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My Initial (Uneducated) Opinions
I have already stated some of my opinions on polygyny, but I feel as though I should explain and support these beliefs. If I am to arrive at a place of understanding I think that I should express my initial state of mind. I am discussing polygyny at this time with no formal knowledge of the culture. I don’t know the history or facts of polygyny, I don’t know the components or the dynamics of this culture, but I do know how I feel and my personal opinions.
Personally I could never participate in a plural marriage. I believe that marriage is the union between two people and this relationship is special and should be honored. I don’t think that the commitment that is formed between two people who decide to spend their lives together can be shared between more and still be as close or committed. I believe in monogamy, that people should be faithful to each other and polygyny is a form of infidelity in my mind. Personally I could not handle the emotional stress of being in a plural marriage.
I grew up in a family with one mother and one father. My dad worked and my mom stayed home when we were young. My parents are still married today; I guess I grew up in a stereotypically “happy family”, and I loved it. My parents were very involved, heading PTO’s and coaching my teams. I would think that children that grow up in polygenic culture would not have as close a relationship with their parents, especially their fathers, sense there are so many children. This lack of parental involvement I think would have a negative affect on children.
These are just some of my personally opinions opposing polygyny. From here I plan to look at the merits of polygyny and explore how this culture works. I hope to learn what people that practice polygyny must know and do in order to make this culture work.
Personally I could never participate in a plural marriage. I believe that marriage is the union between two people and this relationship is special and should be honored. I don’t think that the commitment that is formed between two people who decide to spend their lives together can be shared between more and still be as close or committed. I believe in monogamy, that people should be faithful to each other and polygyny is a form of infidelity in my mind. Personally I could not handle the emotional stress of being in a plural marriage.
I grew up in a family with one mother and one father. My dad worked and my mom stayed home when we were young. My parents are still married today; I guess I grew up in a stereotypically “happy family”, and I loved it. My parents were very involved, heading PTO’s and coaching my teams. I would think that children that grow up in polygenic culture would not have as close a relationship with their parents, especially their fathers, sense there are so many children. This lack of parental involvement I think would have a negative affect on children.
These are just some of my personally opinions opposing polygyny. From here I plan to look at the merits of polygyny and explore how this culture works. I hope to learn what people that practice polygyny must know and do in order to make this culture work.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Merits of Polygyny: An Introduction
With this blog I hope to explore the possible merits of polygyny. This statement may be misleading because it implies that all subsequent entries will discus the virtues of polygyny. On the contrary this opening statement refers to the sought after goal of my blog. While writing today no clear, realistic merits of polygyny easily come to mind. This does not mean that I am vehemently against this cultural practice. I like to think that I am a fairly understanding, accepting person, but I can’t currently arrive upon a solitary positive component of polygyny, from my personal perspective.
I am planning to specifically explore the culture of polygyny in the United States as practiced by groups within the Mormon religion. I am writing from my perspective, that of a young woman with strong, defined opinions. I want to start with my own personal views and opinions, which will be completely subjective, before I begin to research and understand this culture. I would like to have a sound knowledge of its history and different components as a foundation to build on. From there I hope to have more knowledge of polygyny and hopefully will be able to discuss how my original views have been affected. Throughout this I would also like to incorporate information from people who have first hand experience of polygyny.
I hope to reach a point in this study where I can honestly state that I understand polygyny not just from the position of a tolerant individual viewing from afar, but as someone who has truly explored this culture. I think as I discover more about this culture I will question my own beliefs and why they are the way they are. While I may never completely agree with nor partake in this practice, I hope to be able to appreciate polygyny as a culture and understand and appreciate its inherent logic.
I am planning to specifically explore the culture of polygyny in the United States as practiced by groups within the Mormon religion. I am writing from my perspective, that of a young woman with strong, defined opinions. I want to start with my own personal views and opinions, which will be completely subjective, before I begin to research and understand this culture. I would like to have a sound knowledge of its history and different components as a foundation to build on. From there I hope to have more knowledge of polygyny and hopefully will be able to discuss how my original views have been affected. Throughout this I would also like to incorporate information from people who have first hand experience of polygyny.
I hope to reach a point in this study where I can honestly state that I understand polygyny not just from the position of a tolerant individual viewing from afar, but as someone who has truly explored this culture. I think as I discover more about this culture I will question my own beliefs and why they are the way they are. While I may never completely agree with nor partake in this practice, I hope to be able to appreciate polygyny as a culture and understand and appreciate its inherent logic.
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