Sociology / Unit 8 Soc 1287 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Polygyny and Polyandry
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The idea
Polygamy is marriage to more than one spouse; polygyny is one husband with multiple wives, polyandry is one wife with multiple husbands, and polygyny is the far more common form.
In practice
Most societies permitting polygamy concentrate it among a small share of older, higher-status men.
Where people slip
Monogamy remains the most common practiced arrangement even where polygamy is legally accepted.
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