Kelabit culture has been known to practice polygamy for centuries, which involves men having multiple wives simultaneously. Polygamy is defined as "the practice whereby one man has more than one wife". In traditional Kelabit society, it was considered socially acceptable for a man to take on multiple wives if he could afford to support them financially and provide them with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. This arrangement allowed families to increase their wealth through producing more children who would eventually become part of the family unit. It also ensured that each wife had her own household to run independently while still being under the same roof as her husband. Kelabits believe that having many wives provides stability within the family structure because if one woman falls ill or dies, there are others available to continue running the house and raising the children.
Polygamous relationships were seen as beneficial economically since they enabled men to produce more laborers, thus increasing productivity.
One religious philosophy that justifies plural marital intimacy among Kelabits is the belief in reincarnation. According to this doctrine, souls reincarnate into new bodies after death until they achieve enlightenment. By practicing polygamy, a man can ensure his soul will be reborn into multiple bodies so that he can learn from different women's perspectives. This means that each wife represents a different aspect of his spiritual growth journey towards nirvana. Another reason why some people justify polygamy is that it allows them to fulfill certain desires without feeling guilty about cheating on their current spouse. Some Kelabits view polygamy as an expression of love rather than lust; they may even view it as a sign of true commitment to their partners when they choose to share them with another person.
There have been criticisms against polygamy from both secular and religious groups alike due to its perceived negative consequences such as domestic abuse, jealousy between wives, competition for resources among households, and increased tension within families. The Catholic Church condemns polygamy as contrary to divine law while Islamic scholars argue that it goes against the Quranic teaching on marriage being monogamous.
Some feminists argue that polygamy reinforces gender inequality by placing women in subordinate positions within families where they are subjected to male domination and control over their sexuality. Despite these critiques, many Kelabits still practice polygamy out of cultural tradition or personal preference despite any criticism leveled against it.
How is polygamy experienced and interpreted in Kelabit communities, and what religious philosophies justify or critique plural marital intimacy?
Polygamous unions are common among some indigenous groups of Malaysia such as the Kelabit community. In this cultural context, polygamy has been justified by traditional beliefs and practices, which emphasizes its role in ensuring the survival of clan lineage through increased offspring production, maintaining social order, and preserving tribal identity.