Reply #52: typically polyandry (2+ husbands, 1 wife) happens

[PDenton]

in land scarce, patrilineal Asian (Tibet and Nepal as examples)societies where each male child recieves a portion of an inheritance. It is a way to concentrate wealth within a family. It is not legally recognized in most countries where it was traditional, however. The marriages from what litle I've read of them, had their share of problems. However, it is also fair to say most monogamous marriages have problems as well.

Polygamy only really worked in ancient societies where men died more often than women. It was a way often to solidify political and social allegiances and also to take care of widows. In more modern times, polygamy (such as in the Mormon west) was accompanied by an almost chattel regard for women and wives' advice was never sought in the manner, so they really didn't have much of a choice.