Monogamyname essay sample

Introduction

Different laws and regulations have been authorized in defining relations between two or more people either of the same or opposite sex. These involve monogamy where one person has only one spouse, polygamy through which one can have more than one marriage partner and same-sex marriage. Legalizing these forms of relations in the United States is an indication of the society having the freedom of association and human rights. Human rights analyze a situation where the society has the freedom to make choices about how they are willing and able to lie without interference from other people. This makes it, therefore, essential for people to have the right of choosing the number of spouses to have to make polygamy right (Calder & Beaman, 2014).
Legalizing polygamy and same-sex marriages does not indicate that the society should have more than one partner; rather it is an indication that one has the right to choose how many spouses and what sex the partner should be. The history of England was based on a monogamous nature which had a high impact on the colonies. Some of the British colonies such as India, Singapore and Hong Kong were converted to monogamously making any polygamous unions’ unlawful (Altman & Ginat, 1996). This conversion can be viewed as an interference with the human rights as it makes one have limited choices in making the life partners.
There is a big difference between polygamy and promiscuity. Polygamous situations involve agreement and understanding of the nature of the relationship by all parties involved. In promiscuity, one party keeps the relation secret from the other partner thus leading to hurts and family breakages (Calder & Beaman, 2014). The restriction of polygamy is derived from the point that each member of the first marriage should agree to the second partner’s relation. This includes children of the first marriage in which it is illegal for one spouse to get married, or marry another partner secretly without the consent of the existing partner.
There are several cons and pros associated with both monogamy and polygamy. The ratio of men and women in the world highly varies making polygamy beneficial as it leads to a reduction in single parents. This is similar for both Asia and America as most people have two or more partners increasing single parenthood. This is an unusual form of family for the children as they require both parents making polygamy beneficial to the children. This can be indicated by several life examples such as that of Lui Lok in Hong Kong who had two women willing to marry him and lie happily (Calder & Beaman, 2014). This was however cancelled through legalization of a monogamous law in the country leading to devastation of the two families.
Allowing polygamous families in the society can be viewed as a manner of reducing promiscuity and unfaithfulness in the society. It allows one to publicize their relations and legalize the unions other than remaining unfaithful to the partners. Most couples have broken up due to mistrust and unfaithfulness leading to divorces and single parenthood which highly affects the children. To prevent this, polygamy ensures all the families involved are in understand and appreciate the existence of the other. Research has also indicated that it is possible for polygamous families to have healthy and happy relations instead of living in mistrust (Calder & Beaman, 2014). Prevention in increase in sexually communicable diseases is also another benefit which can be derived from polygamy. The health status of the partners is first established before their acceptance in the family.
Advocating for polygamy has been depicted as ignoring its disadvantages and negative effects on the whole family. Polygamous families in most cases involve families with many children which reduces the care given to these children. For example, when one man has four wives, it is impossible to offer all the children involved the personal care possible in a monogamous family. This leads to children parent gap being lengthened. In situations where the families stay in different geographical location, it becomes costly and impossible for the man to have constant contact with the children. It also causes conflicts within the family when some think a lot of attention is being offered to one family than the other.

Conclusion

Most critics of polygamy argue that it brings inequality and unfairness within families. They indicate that it is impossible for someone to love two people equally thus one spouse and in most cases the children involved will always have complaints. This is, however, untrue as one is capable of losing two people equally in the same manner a policeman cannot choose between a gun and bullets. Polygamy is a human right and the fact that it brings happiness to the concerned parties indicates its importance in life. However, it is essential for those concerned to be in agreement with the unions and ensure equality is withheld to reduce any complaints and fights within the families. Children from both families should also be involved, and equal attention accorded to them to prevent cases of hatred and favors which can be intimidating.

References

Calder, G., & Beaman, L. G. (2014). Polygamy’s rights and wrongs: Perspectives on harm,
family, and law.
Altman, I., & Ginat, J. (1996). Polygamous families in contemporary society. Cambridge [etc.:
Cambridge University Press.