Polyandry meaning

Polyandry is a marriage system in which a woman has more than one husband at the same time.


Polyandry definitions

Word backwards yrdnaylop
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division pol-y-an-dry
Plural The plural of the word "polyandry" is polyandries.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) o,a
Consonants (6) p,l,y,n,d,r

Polyandry: A Unique Form of Marriage

Polyandry is a form of marriage in which a woman is married to multiple men simultaneously. While less common than polygyny (where a man has multiple wives), polyandry has been practiced in various cultures throughout history.

Types of Polyandry

There are two main types of polyandry: fraternal and non-fraternal. In fraternal polyandry, the husbands are usually brothers, while in non-fraternal polyandry, the husbands are unrelated. Both types have unique social dynamics and implications.

Reasons for Polyandry

Polyandry can serve different purposes in different societies. In some cultures, it may be a way to ensure the economic stability of a household by pooling resources. In others, it may be a way to control population growth or to strengthen familial bonds.

Challenges and Benefits

Polyandrous relationships can present challenges such as jealousy, competition, and societal stigma. However, they may also offer benefits like shared childcare responsibilities, increased household income, and a stronger support system for the woman.

Modern Perspectives

In today's world, polyandry is rare and often viewed with skepticism. With changing societal norms and legal restrictions, the practice is becoming less common. However, it remains an interesting topic for anthropologists and scholars studying marriage and family dynamics.

While polyandry may not be widely accepted or understood, it sheds light on the diversity of human relationships and the many ways in which individuals create and maintain family structures.


Polyandry Examples

  1. Polyandry is a form of marriage in which a woman has multiple husbands.
  2. In some cultures, polyandry is practiced as a way to ensure the survival of a family lineage.
  3. Polyandry can be a complex social arrangement with specific rules and traditions.
  4. Polyandry is not as common as polygyny, where a man has multiple wives.
  5. The history of polyandry can be traced back to ancient societies in certain regions.
  6. Polyandry may involve brothers sharing a wife in scenarios where resources are limited.
  7. Polyandry can raise questions around parental responsibility and inheritance rights.
  8. Polyandry is sometimes seen as a way to strengthen bonds between families.
  9. Polyandry is a topic that has been studied by anthropologists and sociologists.
  10. Polyandry can challenge traditional notions of marriage and monogamy.


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  • Updated 12/06/2024 - 19:56:23