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A Study of Polygyny in Southern Africa:The Reality and Change of Tradition

  • Cross-Cultural Studies
  • 2019, 57(), pp.25-54
  • DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2019.57..25
  • Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
  • Research Area : Humanities > Literature
  • Received : November 10, 2019
  • Accepted : December 3, 2019
  • Published : December 30, 2019

Seol, Byung-Soo 1

1경북대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to examine how polygyny in southern Africa has existed in the context of historical trajectory and labor migration. Through it all, the study tried to argue that, despite socioeconomic changes, polygyny will not easily disappear, because of cultural inertia and practical necessity. The points discussed in the paper can be summarized as follows. First, the general perception that polygyny prevailed in traditional southern African societies is close to a myth. Second, polygyny and sexual practices in the area manifest different aspects according to each group’s existential conditions and the agent’s socioeconomic background. Third, large-scale labor migration starting from the late 19th century resulted in the fissure of the traditional family and community structures. Fourth, the economic recession in South Africa that began in the 1970s has endangered the survival of polygyny more and more. Fifth, despite such a situation, most South African people want the institution to survive. Finally, men and women obtain different symbolic meanings from polygynous marriage.

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