Monoandry is a term used in biology to describe a mating system where a female animal has only one male partner during a breeding season. The word is pronounced /mɒnəʊˌændrɪ/ and is spelled with a prefix "mono-" meaning one and the suffix "-andry" meaning "marriage to a male". The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the word has five syllables, with the stress on the third syllable. While not a commonly used term in everyday language, understanding the spelling and pronunciation of monoandry is important in the study of animal behavior and reproductive systems.
Monoandry is a rare form of marriage or social arrangement characterized by the practice of having only one husband or male partner at a time. This term is derived from the combination of two contrasting words: "mono," meaning one, and "andry," referring to male. Unlike monogamy, which often denotes having only one spouse or partner in a lifetime, monoandry specifically pertains to situations where a woman or female individual is allowed to have only one husband concurrently.
In monoandrous societies, the rule may apply to all women or just to specific members of a particular group, such as royalty, elite class, or religious leaders. This social structure is typically found in cultures where male dominance is prevalent, and control over women's sexuality and reproductive choices is strictly regulated. Polygyny, the practice of having multiple wives, is more commonly observed than monoandry across various cultures worldwide.
Monoandrous relationships and marriages can occur in both the animal kingdom and human societies, but they are less prevalent and often represent a minority compared to other mating systems. Anthropological studies have documented cases of monoandry in certain cultures, shedding light on the variety of marital arrangements and gender dynamics throughout history. Understandably, monoandry and related terms are nuanced concepts that require careful consideration of various cultural, historical, and social factors to fully comprehend their significance.
The word "monoandry" is derived from two Greek roots: "monos" which means "single" or "alone", and "andros" which means "man" or "husband". Together, these roots form the term "monoandry", which refers to a mating system where a female has only one male partner or husband.