Polygamy
The effects of polygamy on a society are irrefutable. The most prominent type of polygamy is polygyny (one man taking multiple wives).When there is a large amount of polygyny in a society, many men unable to marry simply because so much of the female population is already married. It has been shown that these single men are more likely to commit violent crimes than women or married men. Another disadvantage to polygyny is that from such marriages, the children generally have less time and attention invested in them, due to the large number of children generally found in such marriages. It has been shown that the men in polygynous relationships tend to invest less time in the economy because of the amount of time they have to spend with their wives, which reduces economic growth. It has also been shown that domestic abuse is more common in polygynous households. However, many communities have strong cultural ties to polygyny. How can the differences between cultures be balanced to create a safer, more productive society?
In the second day of committee in Social Humanitarian Council, they were discussing this glaring topic. They had already created extensive working papers on the topic, which were being debated and reviewed. Working paper 1.1, created by delegation of Luxembourg, was the first up for review. Its primary clause was to encourage all countries that do not already have such laws to enact laws that make education of men and women mandatory until the age of 18. The delegate hoped this clause would cause more women to be able to work, creating more equality in general society and economic growth. Both counteract the harmful effects of polygyny on communities and individuals. “Educating women so they become able to get jobs will improve the economy (of developing nations),” said the delegate. An important secondary cause was to offer monthly seminars in sexual education and feminism, and encourage countries to make these seminars mandatory for all children under the age of 18. The third clause was to have UN peacekeepers protect girls from the Taliban and like forces that would bar them from going to school. All of these clauses were met with hefty debate, especially from the delegation of Pakistan. The delegate argued that having peacekeepers in villages and even sending girls to school would be overstepping their sovereignty, asking “Are you (the delegation of Luxembourg) aware that in many areas of the world it is culture of the area to forbid girls from going to school, and are suggesting they must change their culture?” The delegation of Luxembourg retorted that it would be for the best interest of the society to encourage girls to go to school, though they cannot force a culture to change.
Working paper 1.2, written by the delegations of Peru and Nigeria had similar ideas, though they differed on the general stance. While Luxembourg clearly believed it should be taught the polygamy is wrong and should not be allowed, the delegations of Peru and Nigeria stated that polygamy should be allowed under certain circumstances. Those circumstances were when there is an unequal population between men and women due to famine or war and when there is a religious or cultural tie to polygamy. The delegations were however interested in treating the negative effects of polygamy on society, and stated that they wish to encourage countries to promote the education of women. They also suggested that domestic abuse shelters be opened in countries where it is an issue in polygynous households. They were offered the question “How would this be paid for?” which was retorted with “Because this is the Model United Nations, we have unlimited funds available.” This little bit of humor however was then quickly forgotten by the hoard of opinions ranging from the proposition not doing nearly enough to it infringing incredibly on national sovereignty.
The effects of Polygyny, and more broadly polygamy, are seen across the cultures that have them. But when do the harmful effects outweigh the traditions of generations to the point of drastic change? This question and many more are still waiting to be resolved, but any delegate you ask would surely have a strong opinion. There were many solutions discussed, and hopefully they will translate to an impressive resolution that can be agreed upon by the delegates.
The effects of polygamy on a society are irrefutable. The most prominent type of polygamy is polygyny (one man taking multiple wives).When there is a large amount of polygyny in a society, many men unable to marry simply because so much of the female population is already married. It has been shown that these single men are more likely to commit violent crimes than women or married men. Another disadvantage to polygyny is that from such marriages, the children generally have less time and attention invested in them, due to the large number of children generally found in such marriages. It has been shown that the men in polygynous relationships tend to invest less time in the economy because of the amount of time they have to spend with their wives, which reduces economic growth. It has also been shown that domestic abuse is more common in polygynous households. However, many communities have strong cultural ties to polygyny. How can the differences between cultures be balanced to create a safer, more productive society?
In the second day of committee in Social Humanitarian Council, they were discussing this glaring topic. They had already created extensive working papers on the topic, which were being debated and reviewed. Working paper 1.1, created by delegation of Luxembourg, was the first up for review. Its primary clause was to encourage all countries that do not already have such laws to enact laws that make education of men and women mandatory until the age of 18. The delegate hoped this clause would cause more women to be able to work, creating more equality in general society and economic growth. Both counteract the harmful effects of polygyny on communities and individuals. “Educating women so they become able to get jobs will improve the economy (of developing nations),” said the delegate. An important secondary cause was to offer monthly seminars in sexual education and feminism, and encourage countries to make these seminars mandatory for all children under the age of 18. The third clause was to have UN peacekeepers protect girls from the Taliban and like forces that would bar them from going to school. All of these clauses were met with hefty debate, especially from the delegation of Pakistan. The delegate argued that having peacekeepers in villages and even sending girls to school would be overstepping their sovereignty, asking “Are you (the delegation of Luxembourg) aware that in many areas of the world it is culture of the area to forbid girls from going to school, and are suggesting they must change their culture?” The delegation of Luxembourg retorted that it would be for the best interest of the society to encourage girls to go to school, though they cannot force a culture to change.
Working paper 1.2, written by the delegations of Peru and Nigeria had similar ideas, though they differed on the general stance. While Luxembourg clearly believed it should be taught the polygamy is wrong and should not be allowed, the delegations of Peru and Nigeria stated that polygamy should be allowed under certain circumstances. Those circumstances were when there is an unequal population between men and women due to famine or war and when there is a religious or cultural tie to polygamy. The delegations were however interested in treating the negative effects of polygamy on society, and stated that they wish to encourage countries to promote the education of women. They also suggested that domestic abuse shelters be opened in countries where it is an issue in polygynous households. They were offered the question “How would this be paid for?” which was retorted with “Because this is the Model United Nations, we have unlimited funds available.” This little bit of humor however was then quickly forgotten by the hoard of opinions ranging from the proposition not doing nearly enough to it infringing incredibly on national sovereignty.
The effects of Polygyny, and more broadly polygamy, are seen across the cultures that have them. But when do the harmful effects outweigh the traditions of generations to the point of drastic change? This question and many more are still waiting to be resolved, but any delegate you ask would surely have a strong opinion. There were many solutions discussed, and hopefully they will translate to an impressive resolution that can be agreed upon by the delegates.