Polygamy in South Africa : an exploratory study of women's experiences.
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Date
2004
Authors
Hendricks, Shariefa.
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Abstract
Four Muslim senior wives, 35 years and older, were interviewed about their experiences in a
polygamous marriage. The Theory of Gender and Power was used to understand some of the
emerging themes in the gendered relationships between men and women in polygamous
relationships. Thematic content analysis revealed the overarching theme of power. The women
expressed helplessness in the face of a practice that they consider objectionable on the one hand,
but that they feel compelled to tolerate because their religion permits it. In order to cope with their
pain there was a need to assign blame for their husband's remarriage. Blame was attributed to
both internal and external causes. Senior wives equate polygamy with "infidelity" and therefore
perceived it as an act of betrayal, Consequently, this led to feelings of anger, rejection, pain and
jealousy, and subsequently the nonacceptance of the junior wife into the marital dyad. The women
reported feelings of loss with regard to the marital relationship, such as loss of financial support,
trust, self esteem, identity, dignity and sense of self. For these senior wives, polygamy resulted
in loss of sexual exclusivity, shared intimacy and security, which was accompanied by feelings of
humiliation and degradation. The women believed that polygamy resulted in straining the
relationship between children and their fathers. Children were reported to have experienced
emotional, behavioural and academic problems.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.
Keywords
Polygamy., Married women--Legal status, laws, etc. (Islamic law), Theses--Psychology.