Polygamy: Chaos in the Relationships of Children

Interpersonal relationships are of utmost importance to an individuafs social and emotional growth (Abbott & Ryan, 2001). Developing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationship is a key element of healthy functioning in humans (De Leon, 2000; Moos, 2002). Social scientists believe that positive and quality relationships with others are indispensible for optimal living. Some researchers even claim that the essence of humanity lies in the significant and quality relations we form with others (Ryff & Singer, 2000). One of the most significant social relations an individual develops is with his/her family. Family is the first agent of socialization through which a child learns how to interact with society and perceive ourselves and others. Due of its strategic importance, the effect family structures and functioning has on an individual has been studied extensively by researchers (Goode, 2007). Polygamy is a marital state or family structure in which the husband is married to multiple women at one time, this leaves a remarkable impact on the mental health, academic achievements, interpersonal relations, and social adjustment of children from polygamous households (Bart, Elbedour & Hektner, 2007; Cherian, 1990; Al-Krenawi & Graham, 1999; Al-Shamsi & Fulcher 2005; Al-Sherbiny 2005). The practice of polygyny is widespread in collectivistic cultures such as those found in the Middle-East, Asia and Africa (AlKrenawi & Graham, 2006; Al-Shamsi & Fulcher, 2005; AlSherbiny, 2005; Jankowiak, 2008; Sonbol, 2003). Contrary to popular belief, polygamy was a highly practiced tradition around the globe up until 2009 (United Nation's publication "Population Facts", 2011). Polygamy was practiced both in Muslim majority countries and Non-Muslim Afrian and Asian Countries such as India. Statistics indicate that the practice was legally permissible in33 countries, out of which 25 were located in Africa and 7 were in the Asian continent. Overall, the report suggested that 41 countries situated in the Asian and African continent completely or partially gave legal support to the practice, making it socially acceptable in the process.Polygyny is a legalized practice in Pakistan, which is in keeping with the state religion-Islam. The Islamic faith, allows men to be married to a maximum of four women at a time under stringent and well-defined conditions (Al-Quran, 4:3; 4:129). Despite polygyny being a permissible practice, supported both by the religious doctrines and the Pakistani constitution, there are no official records of its prevalence in the Pakistani society (Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 2013). Existing literature indicates that polygynous marital structures are exceedingly underlined by interfamilial conflicts, parental violence and negative emotions such as jealousy and stress, which make the children from these families increasingly vulnerable to psychological dysfunction (Al-Krenawi & Kanat-Maymon, 2017; Patil & Hadley, 2008). Similarly, Al-Krenawi and Lightman (2000) found that children belonging to polygamous households have higher conflicts with siblings and have poor familial relations. Research indicates that the experience of having multiple families is painful and distressing for children belonging to such households (Al-Krenawi & Slonim-Nevo, 2008), leading to poor quality relations with the father.The present study aimed at studying the long-term and lasting effects of polygyny on the interpersonal and social relations of children. Despite the increasing literature available on the practice and consequences of polygamy its lasting effects on the interpersonal relationships of the children is truly a neglected area.Research Questions1. How do children with polygynous fathers perceive their relationships with their father? 2. How do individuals from polygynous families perceive their relationships with their families? 3. How do individuals from polygynous families perceive the impact of their father's second marriage on their romantic and intimate social relationships? …