Polygamy is a practice whereby an individual takes multiple spouses, often concurrently. This practice has been observed in different cultures across the globe, including Africa. In some African countries, such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda, it is legal to marry more than one wife.
This is not the case in all nations.
Polygamy is illegal in South Africa. It is important to understand that polygamy operates differently in African diasporic religions, which are religious practices of people of African descent living outside their home regions. These religions include Santería, Vodou, Candomblé, Umbanda, Macumba, Palo, Quimbanda, and Obeah. The operations of polygamy vary depending on the religion and culture under consideration.
Socially, polygamy in African diasporic religions involves the sharing of responsibilities between partners. Partners share household chores, childrearing duties, family planning decisions, and finances. Each partner contributes according to their abilities, but the head of the household makes the final decision regarding how resources should be allocated. Polygamous marriages usually involve men taking multiple wives. Therefore, women have limited freedom to choose their partners or lifestyles. They also face competition from other wives for attention, respect, and time with the husband. Women's participation in economic activities may be limited due to domestic constraints.
Economically, polygamy in African diasporic religions requires extensive financial investment since each woman needs her separate house and household items. Some men can afford these expenses, while others cannot. Consequently, some women end up living with the man's relatives or poorer families. In some cultures, polygamy allows wealthy men to take advantage of younger, less experienced women who might not know better. This practice has resulted in gender-based violence against women. Economic empowerment is necessary to prevent this exploitation.
Spiritually, African diasporic religions recognize that polygamy is a means to achieve balance in life. According to Candomblé beliefs, people must seek equilibrium through good deeds and spirituality. By marrying more than one wife, a man balances his spiritual energy and strengthens his powers.
This may not always work out as expected.
If there are disputes among the wives or between the wives and the man, the marriage becomes unbalanced and difficult to manage. Therefore, it takes considerable effort to maintain a healthy polygamous relationship.
How does polygamy operate socially, economically, and spiritually in African diasporic religions?
In African diasporic religions such as Candomblé, Umbanda, Santeria, Voodoo, and others, polygamy is often considered an integral part of spirituality and religion. Polygamy has been practiced for centuries within these religions, with some religious leaders or priests having multiple wives or partners.