Polygamy in Africa

Polygamy was common and widespread in the ancient world and widely practiced among some religious groups. The reasons for its existence and persistence are varied and have been a source of fierce debate. Africa, in particular western Africa, has established itself as a region where polygamy is viewed as the norm. This entry explores the trends in polygamous marriages in western African countries and examines the factors contributing to the practice and maintenance of polygamy, such as the slave trade, with its impact on the sex ratio, and traditional, sociocultural, and economic factors. The effects of education on attitudes toward polygamy are also examined, as is the influence of polygamy on the lives of women and children.