Polyandry

In social anthropology and sociobiology, polyandry (Greek: poly many, andros man) means a female forming a stable sexual union with more than one male.

Controversy

Polyandry is a controversial subject among anthropologists. For instance, Pennsylvania anthropologist Stephen Beckerman points out that at least 20 tribal societies accept that a child could, and ideally should, have more than one father. On the other hand, in Tibet, which is the most well-documented cultural domain within which polyandry is practiced, the testimony of certain "polyanders" themselves is that the marriage form is difficult to sustain. However, certain monogamists say the same thing about monogamous marriage.

Related Topics:
Stephen Beckerman - Monogamist - Monogamous marriage

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With particular regard to the supposed failure rate of polyandry, it is important to note that there are high rates of infidelity and divorce in "monogamous" societies, so that it is possible to argue that polyandry is not somehow uniquely unworkable. In Tibet, which is today controlled politically by the People's Republic of China, polyandry has been outlawed, which means that it is difficult to measure the incidence of polyandry in what may have been the world's most "polyandrous" society.

Related Topics:
Infidelity - Divorce - People's Republic of China

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In other parts of the world, due to widespread Westernization via colonialism and imperialism, most traditional societies have been drastically altered or destroyed, so the incidence of polyandry in the past may not be accurately known. In India, among Tibetan refugee groups who fled the Chinese invasion of their country, polyandry is seldom encountered.

Related Topics:
Westernization - Colonialism - Imperialism

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