Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously and it has been practiced for centuries across different cultures around the world. It was seen as an acceptable norm in many societies until recently when Christian influence started to prevail in most parts of the globe.
There are still some cultures that uphold the practice of polygamy up to date. In fact, most of these societies are located in Asia, where cultural, religious, and ethnic diversities have made it difficult to implement the concept of monogamy. This paper will explore how cultural, religious, and ethical frameworks legitimize or challenge polygamous practices in Asia.
In Asia, polygamy is widely practiced among Islamic communities, especially in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. The Quran permits men to marry up to four wives as long as they can provide adequate care for all of them and treat each wife fairly. This means that polygamy is allowed under certain conditions, which makes it a legitimate practice according to Islamic law. Besides religion, culture also plays a significant role in legitimizing polygamy.
In some African communities, polygamy is viewed as an act of prestige, status, and social class. Some men believe that by having multiple wives, they are demonstrating their wealth and power.
It is also believed that polygamy helps in population control, especially in countries with high birth rates.
There are societies that view polygamy as illegitimate, immoral, and unethical.
China has been against the practice of polygamy since its communist revolution in 1949. It was seen as oppressive and patriarchal, which goes against the principles of equality and fairness espoused by communism. Polygamy was criminalized in 1950 and has remained illegal ever since. Even though polygamy still exists in rural areas, most people condemn it as unethical. In India, Hinduism opposes polygamy because it is considered a violation of monogamous marriage. Buddhists and Jains have similar views on polygamy, considering it as a form of exploitation and abuse.
Cultural, religious, and ethical frameworks play an essential role in legitimizing or challenging polygamy in Asia. While some cultures uphold the practice based on religious beliefs, others consider it illegitimate due to ethical reasons. Therefore, it is crucial for governments to implement laws that regulate polygamy to ensure that women's rights are protected and respected.