Monday, February 8, 2010

Is polygamy a feminist issue

As many of us have recently learnt through recent media headlines, polygamy is having more than one spouse at a time. Polygamy is connected to certain cultural groups, for example Muslim and Xhosa traditions to name a few. Traditionally polygamy is practiced by men, allowing them the right to have more than one wife (if they can afford to). I believe that polygamy is a feminist issue, my reason for stating this is as it infringes on the rights of women to be equal member of society, to be treated with self-respect and loved as the only spouse in the relationship. Society would frown upon women if she were to take more than one spouse. There are double standards set for men and women by society, culture and religion. If polygamy were to be the way forward for healthy relationships within society, this option should be permissible to women as well. The feminist issue is that is something is acceptable for men, women should be allowed equal rights.

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