Positive Evidences of Polygamous Family Structures: a Qualitative Analysis through Interpretive Phenomenological Approach

Polygamy is generally considered a harmful cultural practice for women and children at the individual and community level. In current study counter evidences have been initiated as polygamy has also positive outcomes indifferent perspectives especially for infertile women, widows, and orphan children. A qualitative study approach was adopted. Nine females (first wives = 4, second Wives = 5) were approached. Their age range was 30-60 years as first wives (M= 53.30, SD =8.76) and second wives (M=34.84=, SD= 8.52). Five participants had status widow and divorced before being co-wives. Data was collected through in-depth interviews. All data was analyzed by interpretive phenomenological approach. A positive outcome of polygamy as one super-ordinate theme was generated. It had further three master themes as health, social and economic benefits were cropped up by different emergent themes. Health benefits incorporated sexual gratification, safety from illegal sexual relationships, security from sexually transmitted diseases, sharing chores during pregnancy, and avoid from extra marital affairs. Social benefits are integrated to facilitate rearing kids, sharing household chores, avoiding the stigma of divorce, and getting sympathy and respect from society and family. Economic benefits included accumulation in monthly income, a better future for children, and the need of society. The study highlights the importance of Islamic teachings, social guidance, and advice from family counselors to improve the environment of polygamous families both for the women and children according to the need of the family and community.