Polygamy: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

by Miriam Koktvedgaard Zeitzen

Overview

Forms of plural marriage, or polygamy, are practiced within most of the world's cultures and religions. The amazing variation, versatility and adaptability of polygamy underscore that it is not just an exotic non-Western practice, but also exists in modern Western societies. Polygamy: A Cross-cultural Analysis provides an examination and analysis of historical and contemporary polygamy. It outlines polygamy's place in anthropological theory and its rich sociocultural diversity in countries ranging from the USA and UK to Malaysia, India, regions of Africa and Tibet. Polygamy also addresses often difficult and controversial issues facing modern polygamists, such as prejudice, HIV/AIDS and women's emancipation. Polygamy: A Cross-cultural Analysis offers an anthropological overview of the fascinating yet often misunderstood institution of polygamy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845202200
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/01/2008
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Miriam Zeitzen is an independent scholar.

Table of Contents

Part I: Defining PolygamyChapter 1. Forms of PolygamyChapter 2. Foundations of PolygamyChapter 3. Polygamy in Anthropological Theory Part II: Polygamy Cross-CulturallyChapter 4. Muslim Polygyny in MalaysiaChapter 5. Christian Polygyny in the USAChapter 6. Hindu Polyandry in IndiaPart III: Polygamy in Contemporary SocietiesChapter 7. Polygamy and GenderChapter 8. Polygamy and ModernityChapter 9. Polygamy in Contemporary SocietiesPart IV: References