Marriage patterns vary by culture themselves. In some cultures, such as in Saudi Arabia, the practice of plural marriage is accepted and promoted. This particular practice, known as polygyny, refers to a man taking more than one wife. In the United States, marriage patterns legally remain in the marriage pattern of monogamy, referring to a man married to one woman (traditionally). However, in the past few years it has come to the attention of not only the federal government but the general society, of groups practicing polygyny. In one particular group, who has been highlighted in the news for marrying underage young girls to older relatives (i.e., uncles, grandfathers, and fathers), consider the universal taboo discuss why this practice continues unreported until recently? Thank you very much for your help.

Question

Marriage patterns vary by culture themselves. In some cultures, such as in Saudi Arabia, the practice of plural marriage is accepted and promoted. This particular practice, known as polygyny, refers to a man taking more than one wife. In the United States, marriage patterns legally remain in the marriage pattern of monogamy, referring to a man married to one woman (traditionally). However, in the past few years it has come to the attention of not only the federal government but the general society, of groups practicing polygyny. In one particular group, who has been highlighted in the news for marrying underage young girls to older relatives (i.e., uncles, grandfathers, and fathers), consider the universal taboo discuss why this practice continues unreported until recently? Thank you very much for your help.

Answer 1

Why do you think this practice has been unreported?

Answer 2

Ms.Sue

Is it because it different cultures

Answer 3

The practice of polygyny, particularly when it involves marrying underage girls to older relatives, is considered taboo universally due to various ethical and moral concerns. However, the question of why it continued unreported until recently is complex and multifaceted. It is important to note that this answer will explore potential reasons, but it is not an exhaustive analysis.

1. Cultural Relativism: The concept of cultural relativism suggests that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood within the context of their own culture. This can lead to a hesitation to report or criticize practices that are deemed acceptable within a specific cultural or religious framework, as it may be seen as interfering or disrespecting those beliefs.

2. Lack of Awareness: Sometimes, specific cultural practices may remain unreported due to a lack of awareness or understanding of these practices within broader society. This lack of awareness can arise from isolation of certain communities, limited access to information, or limited interactions between different cultural groups.

3. Fear of Reprisal: People within these communities may fear speaking out against these practices due to potential social, familial, or even legal repercussions. They may fear being ostracized, facing physical harm, or disrupting the existing power structure within their community.

4. Community Protection: Some individuals or groups may prioritize protecting their community's reputation and unity over reporting harmful practices. They may feel that openly discussing or reporting such practices would bring unwanted attention or reinforce negative stereotypes about the community.

5. Patriarchal Power Dynamics: In cases where polygyny is practiced alongside child marriage, it often perpetuates unequal power dynamics, particularly among men and women. The power imbalances and cultural norms surrounding gender roles may discourage victims from reporting these incidents, as they may be socially conditioned to prioritize male authority and maintain the family's honor.

6. Legal Challenges: The complexity of legal systems can sometimes make it challenging to address these issues effectively. Varying cultural interpretations, limited resources for investigating such cases, or jurisdictional challenges can contribute to a lack of reporting or successful legal interventions.

It is important to note that recent efforts by law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and increased public awareness have led to more attention being given to these practices and their reporting. This highlights the importance of dialogue, education, cultural sensitivity, and continued efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and promote human rights.