The abuses so often cited by opponents of polygamy – sexual abuse, subjugation, conflict – are certainly not unique to multiple marriage. Those abuses are found in all forms of marriage, not only those with multiple wives, said Todd Shackelford of Oakland University in southeastern Michigan.

“I have been focusing my research on some of these many negative consequences in monogamous relationships, including men’s violence, psychological, physical and sexual aggression against their partners,” said Shackelford.

“In every such mating relationship – indeed in any sort of relationship – you will find there is conflict. … Polygyny doesn’t have the market cornered on some of these negative consequences.”

James Keller
The Canadian Press
December 15, 2010