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Psychosocial Impact of Polygamy in the Middle East pp 1–23Cite as

Polygamy Today

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Abstract

Is polygamy enjoying a revival or is its future uncertain? This chapter is an overview of polygamy, mainly focusing in the Middle East but also in other parts of the world. Different religions and spiritual paths look upon it differently.

Polygamy has become a topic of intense cultural interest both in the East and the West. Justifications for and arguments against polygamy have varied widely.

The practice of polygamy often has as much to do with tradition and economics as with sexual gratification. It is currently being used as a political statement—a reawakening of cultural identity, especially in postcolonial situations.

The main question we will answer as the book progresses is: how do polygamous families in the Middle East fare in this particular family structure?

Some scholars believe that polygamy will not last, or will become an indulgence, practiced like polyamorous relationships, or only by those who insist on its religious relevance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel

    Alean Al-Krenawi Ph.D.

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  1. Alean Al-Krenawi Ph.D.
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Al-Krenawi, A. (2014). Polygamy Today. In: Psychosocial Impact of Polygamy in the Middle East. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9375-4_1

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