Polygamy's Persistence: Unveiling Bamako
April 2023
Lehigh University
Introduction
Dive into the bustling streets of Bamako, Mali, with Bruce Whitehouse's eye-opening research, Enduring Polygamy: Plural Marriage and Social Change in an African Metropolis. Despite the urban sprawl and changing economic tides, Bamako challenges the expectation that polygamy would fade, boasting the highest rate of polygamous marriages in any major city. Over 15 years, Whitehouse, a Lehigh University anthropologist, unpacks why one in four wives in Bamako shares her husband. It's a mix of tradition, demographics, and legal loopholes. Ready to challenge your assumptions?
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Unraveling the Layers of Love and Law
Imagine living in a city where the norm challenges what many around the world consider traditional. In Bamako, Mali, the concept of marriage stretches beyond the familiar one-on-one partnership to include polygamous relationships, where one individual has multiple spouses. This isn’t just about who marries whom, but a complex web of cultural, legal, and societal threads that shape the lives of millions. Understanding why polygamy endures in such a fast-paced, urban environment as Bamako offers a unique lens through which to view not only marriage but also gender roles, legal systems, and cultural endurance in the face of modernization. For you, this exploration could illuminate the diverse tapestry of human societies and challenge you to think critically about the norms and values that define different communities around the globe.
Speak like a Scholar
Polygamy
A form of marriage where a person has more than one spouse at the same time.
Monogamy
The practice or state of being married to one person at a time.
Demographics
Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.
Stigmatized
Described or regarded as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
Bargaining power
The ability of one party to set the terms of an agreement in their favor because of their negotiating strength.
Cultural endurance
The capacity of a culture to maintain its core practices and values over time despite external pressures or changes.
Independent Research Ideas
Comparative study of marriage practices
Investigate how marriage practices, including polygamy and monogamy, vary across different cultures and what factors influence these practices. This could reveal insights into the adaptability and evolution of social structures.
Impact of urbanization on traditional practices
Explore how the rapid urbanization of cities like Bamako affects traditional practices such as polygamy. This could offer a window into the resilience of cultural norms against the backdrop of modernization.
Gender roles and power dynamics in polygamous marriages
Examine the roles and power dynamics between genders within polygamous marriages in different societies. This could shed light on the intersection of culture, gender equality, and personal autonomy.
Legal frameworks governing marriage practices
Analyze the legal frameworks that govern marriage practices in various countries, focusing on how these laws influence the prevalence of polygamy. This could provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between law, culture, and personal choice.
Stigma and social perception of polygamy
Investigate how polygamy is perceived and stigmatized in different societies and the impact this has on individuals in polygamous relationships. This study could uncover the social mechanisms that support or undermine certain marriage practices.
