Plural marriage, a form of polygamy, is a controversial topic in many cultures. In terms of spelling, the word "plural" begins with the voiceless palato-alveolar fricative /ʃ/ sound, followed by the voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/. The word "marriage" starts with the voiced alveolar fricative /z/ before merging into a diphthong /eɪ/. The overall pronunciation of the word is /ˈplʊrəl ˈmɛrɪdʒ/. The spelling reflects the combination of the Latin word "pluralis" meaning "multiple" and "marriage" in English.
Plural marriage refers to a form of marriage in which an individual has multiple spouses simultaneously. It is a cultural, historical, or legal practice where a person is legally married to more than one partner at the same time. This arrangement encompasses various forms, including polygamy, polyandry, and polyamory.
Polygamy is the most common form of plural marriage and involves an individual having multiple spouses of the opposite sex. Polyandry, less prevalent but still practiced in some societies, is when a woman has multiple husbands. Polyamory, on the other hand, commonly associated with contemporary practices, entails open relationships where individuals have consensual sexual and emotional connections with multiple partners.
Plural marriage has deep historical and cultural roots in various societies and religious communities around the world. It can be established for various reasons, such as social, economic, political, or religious purposes. In some cultures, it is considered a symbol of status, wealth, or fertility. Moreover, plural marriage can also manifest due to a shortage of men or other demographic factors, or as a means to support widows and orphans.
However, it is essential to note that plural marriage is illegal in many countries due to social, legal, and ethical concerns. Critics argue that it can perpetuate inequality and gender imbalances in societies, as well as contribute to issues like jealousy, marital discord, and decreased individual autonomy within relationships. Nevertheless, plural marriage remains a topic of academic, cultural, and legal discourse, highlighting the multifaceted nature of human relationships and the diverse expressions of marriage across different societies.
The term "plural marriage" is derived from the combination of two words: "plural" and "marriage".
The word "plural" comes from the Latin word "pluralis", which means "many" or "multiple". In English, it refers to the concept of having more than one, or a number greater than singular.
The word "marriage" comes from the Middle English word "mariage", which traces back to the Old French term "marier", meaning "to marry". "Marier" is derived from the Latin word "maritare", which means "to wed", ultimately stemming from "maritus", meaning "husband" or "man".
Combining these two words, "plural marriage" denotes the practice or state of having multiple spouses, typically referring to a husband with multiple wives or a wife with multiple husbands.