Polygamous Unions Research Articles

Impact of fundamentalism on human capital, women's social status and demographics: Evidence from Islamic state of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq

I analyze the impact of the religious fundamentalists’ rule on regional human capital development and women's social status by exploiting the unexpected rise and fall of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in northwestern Iraq (2014∼2017). I find a large downward impact of exposure to ISIS rule on female human capital and an upward one on fertility rate for women who were school-aged at the time of ISIS occupation. These women express more patriarchal family norms and are more likely to belong to a polygamous union, implying a decline in women's social status. This decline in human capital and the rise of patriarchal family norms doesn't cause a significant negative impact on the development of their pre-school-aged children, possibly implying that these women didn't decrease parenting effort for their children. In summary, even a brief period of extremist rule has potentially large impacts on human capital development and culture.

Women and Polygamous in the Construction of East Flores Community Customs

The position of women in polygamous marriages within Watobuku Village, East Solor, and East Flores, has been observed to strongly reflect the influence of prevailing cultural, tradition, and local values shaping community. This study aims to elucidate the potential mistreatment of women within polygamous marriages by comparing perspectivess of customary law and Islamic law in a sociological framework. This aim was achieved trough the application of qualitative research methodologies, such as observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation analysis. The results obtained from this investigation showed that despite the correspondence of male conduct with certain aspects of Islamic law in polygamous settings, the implementation often lacks fairness, leading to discrimination against women. To address this challenge, it becomes essential to carry out stringent law enforcement with the specific aim of safeguarding the positions held by women, specifically in polygamous unions within the Watobuku Village community. Furthermore, within this context, fostering mutual understanding and responsibility between male and female partners is crucial. It is also important to encourage men, particularly those already married, to appreciate their existing partners and avoid seeking additional spouses without due consideration. In this study, it was suggested that if a husband desires to remarry, he should follow the path of divorcing the first wife before pursuing another marriage. This method was recommended because of its potential to prevent discriminatory practices and uphold justice for women within the context of polygamous marriages.

Perjanjian Pasca-Nikah (Postnuptial Agreement) dalam Konteks Maqashid al-Syari’ah: Analisis Pandangan al-Syatibi

Purpose – The aim of this research is to delve into and elucidate the concept of post-marital (postnuptial agreement.) agreements within the framework of the Maqashid al-Syari'ah, particularly through the lens introduced by al-Syatibi.
 Methods – The research methodology employs a Library Research approach grounded in the perspective of Maqashid al-Syari'ah as articulated by al-Syatibi, centering on descriptive analysis. This process entails systematic exploration and examination of literature and pertinent sources to grasp the nuances of Maqashid al-Syari'ah concepts as elucidated by al-Syatibi, while providing comprehensive insights into the intricacies of post-marital agreements within this framework.
 Findings – The study reveals that post-marital agreements play a crucial role in managing marital assets, especially in polygamous marriages, while prioritizing family welfare. Through the lens of Maqashid al-Shari'ah, marriage contracts ensure various benefits: preserving religious values, safeguarding against health risks, protecting children from psychological trauma, ensuring offspring welfare and rights, and safeguarding property rights, particularly in polygamous unions, thus enhancing economic stability within families.
 Research implications – The theoretical implications underscore the crucial role of maqashid al-Shari'ah in shaping post-marital agreements and Islamic marriage contracts. They stress that concepts like Hifz al Din, Hifz al Nafs, Hifz al 'Aql, Hifz al Nasl, and Hifz al Mal are pivotal in ensuring these agreements reflect Islamic values and offer optimal protection for all involved. Moreover, they prompt further exploration of the interplay between Islamic law, maqashid al-Shari'ah, and marital practices, enhancing theoretical understanding and informing legal policies in Muslim societies.
 Originality/value – In sum, the study underscores the profound implications of post-marital agreements and marriage contracts within the framework of maqashid al-Shari'ah, underscoring their role in fostering familial harmony, protecting individual rights, and upholding Islamic principles of justice and equity.

The declining trend in HIV prevalence from population-based surveys in Cameroon between 2004 and 2018: myth or reality in the universal test and treat era?

BackgroundHIV remains an epidemic of major public health importance in Cameroon but a decline in HIV prevalence has been observed according to population-based surveys conducted in 2004, 2011 and 2018. We sought to review current evidence for declining HIV prevalence despite increasing survival owing to ‘universal test and treat’ and to explore the reason for the decrease, particularly the role of behavioural change.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis using HIV prevalence, behavioural and social determinants data of the Demographic and Health Survey Program databases. Trend lines were fitted to data that were available for a minimum of three points in time during the 1991–2018 period. Regression coefficients associated p-values and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using Microsoft Excel software.ResultsOverall adult HIV prevalence decreased significantly from 5.4% (95%CI: 4.8-6.0) in 2004 to 4.3% (95%CI: 3.8–4.8) in 2011 and further down to 2.7% (95%CI: 2.3–3.1) in 2018 at a rate of about 1.4% every septennium (β = -1.4, R² = 0.98, p = 0.03). Yet, the number of persons surviving with HIV increased from about 0.05 million in 1991 to 0.5 million in 2018 corresponding to an increase in access to antiretroviral therapy from less than 10% to universal coverage of 80% respectively. Concurrent reductions in risky sexual behaviours were observed: a delayed sexual debut by one year, decreased sexual violence by 7%, decreased polygamous unions by 16%, decreased multiple sexual partners by 15.3% and increased condom use by 26.3%.ConclusionThe observed decline in HIV prevalence is statistically valid and reflects the observed decline in risky sexual behaviour that need to be sustained by the National HIV programme. Though universal access to ART has increased the number of persons surviving with HIV, this has not led to an increased prevalence of HIV in a setting with a rising population.

What's in a name? Property titling and women's empowerment in Benin

Women’s empowerment is not just an end in itself, but also yields important development outcomes. For example, children of empowered women are healthier and enjoy greater nutrition. However, the factors influencing women’s empowerment in Benin are not well explored. To our knowledge this study is the first to investigate the determinants of women’s empowerment in Benin, with a focus on property titling. Including women’s names on titles is an important step towards gender equality and should be considered given Benin’s recent titling efforts. Land reform that lacks gender inclusivity may disempower women. Using probit, partial proportional odds models, and extended probit models which allow for endogenous treatment effects, our results show that women that possess a property title with their name on it are more empowered. For example, women with property titles that include their names are 44 % more likely to be involved in decisions on large household purchases than women that have a title without their name or no title at all. Our results also indicate that older, wealthier, and employed women are more empowered, while women in polygamous unions are disempowered.

Education and polygamy: Evidence from Cameroon

Has secular education contributed to the decline of polygamy in Africa? To answer this question, we study a wave of public school construction in late-colonial Cameroon. Our difference-in-differences and event-study specifications show that school openings have simultaneously increased education and the chances to be in a polygamous union for men and, more surprisingly, for women. We estimate a structural model of marriage to explain why education made women more likely to be in a polygamous union. The main estimated channel is marriage to educated men who are more often polygamists than uneducated men, not direct preferences for polygamy.

“O My Mother”: Mormon Fundamentalist Mothers in Heaven and Women's Authority

“O My Mother”: Mormon Fundamentalist Mothers in Heaven and Women's Authority

Women\u2019s attitudes towards negotiating safe sexual practices in Nigeria: Do family structure and decision-making autonomy play a role?

BackgroundThe risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is related to women’s sexual attitudes, beliefs, and power dynamics within marriages in developing countries. Despite the interventions towards improving women’s sexual health and well-being, women are disproportionately affected by the risk of STIs transmission compared with their male counterparts in most sub-Saharan African countries including Nigeria. This study examined the roles of family structure and decision-making autonomy on women’s attitudes towards negotiating safe sexual practices in Nigeria.MethodsThe study involved analyses of data from a nationally representative and weighted sample size of 28,219 ever-married/cohabiting women aged 15–49 years from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive and statistical analyses were carried out, including frequency tables, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall prevalence of having positive attitudes towards negotiating safe sexual practices were 76.7% and 69.6% for a wife justified in asking the husband to use a condom if he has an STI and refusing to have sex with the husband if he had sex with other women, respectively. The results further showed that polygamous unions negatively influenced urban and rural women’s attitudes towards negotiating safe sexual practices, but women’s decision-making autonomy on how to spend their earnings was found to be a protective factor for having positive attitudes towards negotiating safe sexual practices with partners. Surprisingly, there were significant variations in attitudes towards negotiating safe sexual practices among urban and rural women who enjoyed decision-making autonomy on their healthcare (aOR 1.70; CI 1.32–2.18 and aOR 0.52; CI 0.44–0.62, respectively). Plausibly, such women might have constrained them to compromise their sexual relationships for fear of being neglected by partners.ConclusionThe outcomes of this study have some policy implications for both maternal and child health. There is the need to intensify programmes aimed at improving women’s sexual health and rights towards achieving sustainable development goals of preventing deaths of newborns, ending STIs and creating gender in Nigeria.

THE IMPACT OF CHILD MARRIAGES IN THE APOSTOLIC-SECT IN COWDRAY PARK SUBURB IN BULAWAYO; ZIMBABWE

This research probes and critically scrutinises the issue of child marriages in major apostolic sect in Cowdray Park, such as Johanne Marange. The major objective being to examine the impact of child marriages in Cowdray Park as well as to examine the nature and the causes of child marriages, the effects, and the possible resolutions. The researchers adopted qualitative research design for the study. The researchers discovered that the main causes of Child marriages are poverty, polygamous life, child sex, although there are other causes which influences and courage such as religion culture. At the heart of it all, it is the poverty and religious beliefs which are not even biblical. The researchers further interrogated quizzes the different actors and structures that are involved from the time a child is taken into this ‘union’ and analyses the role they play in perpetuating this system. The major findings which stemmed from the use of the women’s law approach as the overarching framework are brought to light. Narrations of the rape that happens, the trauma, lack of security in the polygamous union are were discussed.

Reproductive Behaviors among Men of a Rural Community in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Fertility is an important component of population change and has attracted the interest of scholars and policy makers. Nigeria's population growth rate has been driven by high fertility, which has fallen in the last few decades but not as rapidly as the fall of the crude death rate. Men and their kinsmen are the decision-makers on issues relating to reproductive health such as timing of the next birth, number of children and when to stop childbearing while their women cooperate. We determined the reproductive behaviors of men in Doka community in Kaduna State Nigeria.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive community based study of 320 men was conducted.
 Results: The mean age±SD of the male respondents was 40 (±14.2) years. The average age at first marriage among men was 23.32 (±4.62 years), the contraceptive use among men was 10(3.2%). Above a third 118 (37.9%) of men were in polygamous union. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean number of living children as the age of men increased (p=0.001). The mean number of children ever fathered was significantly associated with the educational status of men (p=0.03).
 Conclusion: we found a very low contraceptive use, high number of desired children as well as living children among the men. Government should enlighten married men on the importance of contraceptive use for birth control as well as the social and economic implications of having too many children.
 Keywords: Contraception; Desired children; Fertility; Mean number of children.

Polygamy in Islam: Cultural Pressures and Religious Justifications in Pakistan

Polygamy is socially accepted and religiously allowed in most parts of the world. Polygamy is practiced by males, particularly for various justifiable reasons. The current study aims to analyze the interplay of culture and religion to describe the existing practice of polygamy in Punjab, Pakistan. It is further interested in analyzing the male perspective regarding the practice of polygamy. The study is theoretically grounded in the patriarchal theory and Agarwal’s concept of bargaining in gender relations. In Pakistan, like many other Muslim countries, religion is the major support taken by men for practicing polygamy along with other cultural justifications. Wife’s infertility or inability to produce the male offspring and forced marriage practices are amongst the major justifications of polygamy found in the current study. During this phenomenological research, the researchers included the male perspective only by targeting 5 polygamous marital unions from the various parts of the Punjab province. The findings include forced marriages, cousin marriages, age difference in first marriage, first wife’s infertility and inability to produce the male offspring, and the absence of male successor in case of landowning families as major causes for males being polygamous. The study also found males from different socioeconomic backgrounds living in polygamous marital unions. This study suggests that the patriarchal interpretation of religion and culture needs to be defined and the prevalent justification of polygamous marriages needs to be revisited. Similarly, the true Islamic intent for marrying multiple women and of equality and justice amongst wives needs to be explored through scholarly research.

Rural-urban differences in the predictive influence of sex preference on marital dissolution in Nigeria.

This study examined the influence of place of residence on sex preference as a predictor of marital dissolution in Nigeria. It also appraised the mediation of socio-demographic factors on the relationship between sex preference and marital dissolution. Data were sourced from the 2018 demographic and health survey of Nigeria. Analyses involved the use of descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression models. Generally, marital dissolution significantly occurred more in rural than in urban areas. While more respondents had no child sex preference, preference for boys was significantly more among the urban women compared to the rural women. Irrespective of place of residence, sex preference was not a significant predictor of marital dissolution in Nigeria as the unadjusted models of marital dissolution and sex preference indicated that preference for more boys significantly decreased the odds of marital dissolution in the rural (OR=0.84; p=0.05), urban (OR=0.67; p=0.001), and total population (OR=0.77; p=0.001). In addition, preference for more girls significantly decreased the likelihood of marital dissolution in the rural (OR=0.82; p=0.002) and total populations (OR=0.84; p=0.05). Moreover, in the full adjusted model of the total population, preference for more males (OR=0.57; p=0.002) was also significantly associated with decreased odds of marital dissolution. Conversely, other factors that significantly increased the odds of marital dissolution included educational attainment, intimate partner violence, religion, being employed, polygamous unions, and region of residence. Women should achieve higher levels of education and be engaged in income earning occupations as mitigation measures against marital dissolution. Anti-dissolution campaigns should be initiated, especially in rural areas with high levels of intimate partner violence and in regions with relatively high incidences of marital dissolution/p-/p-1.

The Effects of Marital Status, Fertility, and Bereavement on Adult Mortality in Polygamous and Monogamous Households: Evidence From the Utah Population Database

Although the associations among marital status, fertility, bereavement, and adult mortality have been widely studied, much less is known about these associations in polygamous households, which remain prevalent across much of the world. We use data from the Utah Population Database on 110,890 women and 106,979 men born up to 1900, with mortality follow-up into the twentieth century. We examine how the number of wife deaths affects male mortality in polygamous marriages, how sister wife deaths affect female mortality in polygamous marriages relative to the death of a husband, and how marriage order affects the mortality of women in polygamous marriages. We also examine how the number of children ever born and child deaths affect the mortality of men and women as well as variation across monogamous and polygamous unions. Our analyses of women show that the death of a husband and the death of a sister wife have similar effects on mortality. Marriage order does not play a role in the mortality of women in polygamous marriages. For men, the death of one wife in a polygamous marriage increases mortality to a lesser extent than it does for men in monogamous marriages. For polygamous men, losing additional wives has a dose-response effect. Both child deaths and lower fertility are associated with higher mortality. We consistently find that the presence of other kin in the household—whether a second wife, a sister wife, or children—mitigates the negative effects of bereavement.

What About Methods for Men? A Qualitative Analysis of Attitudes Toward Male Contraception in Burkina Faso and Uganda.

Male contraceptive options are limited; however, product development efforts tend to focus on female methods. Research on attitudes toward methods for men-particularly in regions of low contraceptive prevalence, such as Sub-Saharan Africa-could inform the development of new male methods. Qualitative data were taken from focus group discussions with 80 men aged 23-67 and 398 women aged 15-50 conducted in Burkina Faso and Uganda in 2016. Transcripts were analyzed thematically to explore support among men and women for male contraceptive methods, and to extract suggestions about ideal method characteristics. Male and female participants in both countries expressed support for new male contraceptive options; more positive attitudes were expressed in Uganda than in Burkina Faso. Participants of both sexes recognized that male methods could reduce the family planning burden on women and offer men greater control over their fertility; however, some had concerns about side effects and thought that men would not use contraceptives. Relationship characteristics, such as polygamous unions, were cited as possible challenges. In both countries, various delivery methods (e.g., creams or jellies, injections and implants) and durations (from short-acting to permanent) were proposed. The acceptability of new male methods among most participants in the two countries indicates a potential demand for male contraceptives. Options should include a variety of method characteristics to maximize choice, engage men, and support men and women's contraceptive needs.

Factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services and institutional delivery at Koghum in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria

Access to antenatal care services promotes safe motherhood and delivery. This study identified factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care services and health facility-based delivery. A cross sectional survey was conducted. Households were enumerated, and a systematic sampling method was deployed. A sample size of 200 was used. Of the 200 HHs, 198 women were interviewed using pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Data was collected on socio-demographics, attendance at the antenatal clinic (ANC), institutional delivery, and reasons for non-utilisation of ANC services. Data analysis was conducted using Epi Info version 3.5.3. The median age of respondents was 29 years (range: 17 - 55). Overall, 192 (97%) women had at least one ANC visit, 116 (58.6%) had ≥ 4 ANC visits and 93 (47.9%) commenced ANC in the second trimester in the last delivery. One hundred and twenty-five (63.1%) had their last delivery at home by a traditional birth attendant (TBA). The independent risk factors for utilization of ANC were partners’ consent (aOR 11.5; 95% CI 1.6-82.3) and knowledge on the importance of ANC (aOR 7.4; 95% CI 1.4-38.6). Pregnant women in a polygamous union were less likely to use to ANC (aOR 0.1; 95% CI 0.0 - 0.4). Being a woman with a lower educational status was associated with-assisted home delivery (aOR0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.7). Most women utilized ANC services at least once. Community sensitization on the benefits of ANC and institutional delivery should be targeted at women in polygamous unions, with low educational level and without partner’s consent for ANC. Keywords: Antenatal care, utilization, home delivery, Jos Plateau Nigeria.

Women in the Zulu state

The cult of personality of Shaka Zulu and the conception of masculinity that characterises it, has today become a symbol of the patriarchal nature of pre-colonial states in Southern Africa. These states were supposedly constructed in a way that enslaved women through the system of polygamous marriage, with a form of reverse-dowry known as Lobola, acting as payment for the bride-to-be. However, this narrative relies on two questionable premises. Firstly, that the concept of marriage as defined by the European Christian church is the comparative through which polygamy should be linguistically and culturally translated. And secondly, that the institution of polygamy only placed men in a position of authority and power. This essay aims to explore these premises through questioning the way in which the narrative of Zulu masculinity has allowed for the construction of a historiography that has ignored the political and economic structures of polygamy. Furthermore, I will explore the idea of all-female polygamous unions, and what their role within the centralised state structure of the Zulu state might tell us about the role of women - even prior to Shaka Zulu’s consolidation of power. My aim is to allow for an informed reflection on cause and affect of gender-based inequality and the role of masculinity within post-colonial societies through investigating the pre-colonial past.

Pregnancy Incidence and Fertility Desires Among Couples by HIV Status in Rakai, Uganda

The desire for more children and pregnancy rates are influenced by many relationship dynamics and HIV serostatus of couples. Rakai Community Cohort Study in Uganda. Couple data were retrospectively linked from survey rounds between 2007 and 2015 to assess drivers of fertility desire and pregnancy incidence by HIV status (M-F-; M+F+; M-F+; and M+F-). Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios of fertility desire, whereas multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios of pregnancy associated with couple characteristics. Six thousand six hundred forty-seven couples contributed to 7656 person-years. Approximately 40% of couples (where at least 1 HIV+) desired more children. Unmet need for family planning was evident; couples of medium or low Socioeconomic status and with coresident children had lower fertility desires but higher pregnancy rates. Older age, being in a polygamous union, and having a HIV+ spouse in care were associated with lower fertility desire while having an older male partner was associated with higher fertility desire. Pregnancy incidence was lower with older age, among women using hormonal contraception and condoms, HIV+ concordant couples and couples where the HIV+ spouse was in care while pregnancy incidence were higher among women who desired more children, and serodiscordant couples (M-F+). There are many drivers of fertility desires and pregnancy rates, and HIV does not diminish the desire for more children. Unmet need for family planning was evident and highlighted the need to understand and meet the contraceptive needs of couples.

Monstrosities: Religion, Identity and Belief

In the summer of 1816, a young woman of nineteen eloped with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley to Geneva, Switzerland.[...]

Sexual Behavior and Vaginal Practices During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Implications for HIV Prevention Strategies.

Understanding sexual behaviors and vaginal practices of pregnant and breastfeeding women in sub-Saharan Africa is critical to inform HIV prevention strategies during these periods. HIV-uninfected women presenting for antenatal care in western Kenya were enrolled and followed through 36 weeks postpartum. Sexual behavior and vaginal practices were ascertained by structured questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to assess correlates of unprotected sex, vaginal washing, and vaginal drying. Among 1252 women enrolled, 78.4% were married (of whom 15.1% were in polygamous unions), 1.4% had a known HIV-infected partner, and 33.6% had a partner of unknown HIV status. At enrollment, 58.5% reported sex in the past month (94.3% unprotected) and 4.5% reported forced sex. Odds of unprotected sex at enrollment was >11-fold higher in married than in unmarried women (P < 0.001) and lower among women who reported partners of unknown HIV status or HIV-infected compared with HIV-uninfected partners. Median time to postpartum resumption of sex was 7 weeks (interquartile range 4-12). Prevalence of unprotected sex in the past week increased from 6.6% to 60.0% between 2 and 36 weeks postpartum (P < 0.001). Vaginal washing was reported by 60.1% of women at enrollment and prevalence remained stable postpartum; vaginal drying was reported by 17.9% at enrollment and decreased to 6.1% at 36 weeks postpartum (P < 0.001). Vaginal washing and drying were associated with forced sex. High rates of unknown partner HIV status, polygamy, and less frequent condom use among pregnant/postpartum women underscore the need for female-controlled HIV prevention interventions. Vaginal washing and drying may present challenges to microbicide use.

Incidence and risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 seroconversion among pregnant women in Uganda: A prospective study.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) acquired during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes such as perinatal HSV-2 transmission. HSV-2 seroconversion occurs within four weeks of HSV-2 acquisition. There was neither documented incidence nor risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion during pregnancy in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion among pregnant women in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. A prospective study of 200 consenting HSV-2-negative women between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation was done between November 2013 and October 2014. HSV-2 serostatus was determined using HerpeSelect HSV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and sexual history. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus was obtained from antenatal records. A total of 191 women completed follow-up and repeat HSV-2 serology by 38 weeks. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to estimate risk ratios for risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion. Of 191 women, 15 (7.9%) seroconverted during pregnancy. Having multiple sexual partners, being in polygamous unions, and having HIV-positive serostatus were found to be risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion. The incidence of HSV-2 seroconversion during pregnancy in Uganda was high. Multiple sexual partners, polygamy, and HIV-positive serostatus were risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion during pregnancy. Strengthening health education on the avoidance of multiple sexual partners during pregnancy is paramount in prevention of HSV-2 seroconversion.