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Why was polygamy common in traditional African communities?

Why was polygamy common in traditional African communities?

Answers

Kavungya
- Many children were viewed as a source of pride/wealth/labour
- Effective family planning
- To ensure unity/harmony in the community
- To acquire wealth through bride price
- Children ensured security in old age
- The more the children the longer the immortality
- To reduce irresponsible sexual behaviors such as prostitution/adultery/fornication
- Curb barrenness/childlessness
- Ones social status was measured by the number of wives one had
- Co-wives worked as a team/boost the man’s wealth
- Due to high mortality rate due to epidemics thus one needed to marry many wives
- To avoid getting children of one sex
- Land was plenty to accommodate large families.
Kavungya answered the question on July 1, 2019 at 14:45

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