Polygamy

The term polygamy (literally many marriage in late Greek) is used in related ways in social anthropology and sociobiology.

Polygamy in fiction

A number of writers have expressed their views on polygamy by writing about a fictional world in which it is the common type of relationship. These worlds tend to be utopian or dystopian in nature. For instance, Robert A. Heinlein uses this theme in a number of novels, such as Stranger in a Strange Land.

Related Topics:
Utopian - Dystopian - Robert A. Heinlein - Stranger in a Strange Land

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Polygamy is practiced by the Fremen in Frank Herbert's Dune, as a means to pinpoint male infertility. It is socially accepted as long as the man provides for all wives equally.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sheri Tepper uses an extreme portrayal of Mormon polygamy in her book, 'The Gate to Women's Country'. Set in the future, after major calamities and atomic warfare, a group of Mormons are left to develop as a community. Woman are seen as mostly sex slaves who also do the cooking and laundry. Although the likelihood of this type of situation actually arising is slim, it does bring up the consequences of polygamy taken too far in a negative way.

Related Topics:
Sheri Tepper - The Gate to Women's Country

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~