A multidisciplinary analysis of prevalence of polygamous marriages in the Gambia

Abstract

Polygamy remains one of the key topics in various societies. It is through cultural practices, beliefs and also on the individuals' choices that people decide to be committed to polygamy lifestyles. In several parts of Africa, polygamy is not only a marriage of choice but a value system that inspires and shapes family relations. With the discourse of rights, in particular women's rights, unstoppable coming to the fore, the practice of polygamy stands seriously challenged and its future is in grave doubt. However, polygamy remains widespread across the world.1 There are consequences to each type of marriage that certain individuals might adapt to. Women who have entered into polygamous marriages have different experiences that can be enriching to those who practice monogamy. This dissertation will highlight what people in polygamous marriages in the Gambia face on a daily basis. This dissertation will not argue that there are more disadvantages for women who are in polygamous marriages than there are for their counterparts in monogamous relationships. The dissertation will suggest that the patriarchal power structure appears to play a powerful and effective role in polygamous marriages in Gambian society. However, there is also a realization that many people practising polygamy in the Gambia are happier. There is also an exploration of the complexities of polygamous marriages from a worldview with the hope of understanding the nature and evolution of polygamous marriages.