Exploring the Practical Application of Polygamy as a Relevant Tool for Social Construction in Post-Colonial Igbo Land

Abstract

Polygamy is such an ugly term in various discourses. Many Africans have grown up hating the concept. This is because of the influences of the Africans. With colonialism came slavery and westernization. Polygamy became consigned to the past and all that was wrong with the past, like the killing of twins in some Nigerian communities prior to the coming of the British. Hence various people would be ashamed that their roots were ever associated with polygamy. It is simply a fact that polygamy has a lot of drawbacks. In recent times, however, people’s perceptions about it have begun to change. Part of the reason is the social problem created by the non-marital status of numerous young and old women who have attained marital age but are unable to get attached to male partners. The writer has observed this phenomenon for years and was prompted to conduct research on it. He is of the conviction that the practice may be reviewed. This is where writers have a role to play. Materials for the research were obtained mainly from journal articles and books on social issues.