Polygamy is the practice of one spouse having several partners. Polygamy takes two main forms: polygyny, where a man has several wives, and polyandry, where a woman has several husbands.
Polygamy has been practiced since ancient times, in different regions of the world, influenced by cultural, religious and social factors. Human instinctive desire matters, but cultural norms and societal structures greatly influence the form of relationships in which individuals engage.
The prevalence of polygamy varies considerably between societies. There are societies that fully accept and legalize it, and others that prohibit it. In some cases polygamy is seen as a symbol of social status, wealth or power, while in others it may be linked to religious or traditional beliefs.
Many societies have chosen to regulate or prohibit polygamy because of concerns about gender equality, exploitation and the well-being of those involved. Laws and regulations vary from country to country and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
While individuals may have a natural tendency towards monogamy, this does not mean that everyone does. It is very important to recognize that consensual and ethical polygamous relationships, such as polyamory, exist when all parties are fully aware of and agree to such conditions.
Whether polygamy is seen as an instinctive human desire is a subjective opinion and depends on cultural, societal and individual beliefs and values. Society evolves over time and the acceptance or rejection of different patterns of relationships may change.
The accompanying video explores the perspective that a person instinctively wants to have a monogamous relationship, forming a bond with his or her partner; when this bond is lost, which is a natural process, the person seeks a new monogamous relationship.
