Proceedings of The 6th Global Conference on Women’s Studies
Year: 2024
DOI:
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A Woman’s Perception on Polygamy in Islam Through Personal Experiences
Gintarė Sereikaitė-Motiejūnė
ABSTRACT:
Polygamous relationships, often perceived as an unquestioned Islamic tradition, have permeated not only Islamic societies but also the Muslim West and non-Islamic countries. Extensive research has illuminated the emotional and psychological hurdles faced by women involved in polygamy. A study conducted within a private Facebook group, exclusively for women in polygamous relationships or seeking such arrangements, employed the virtual ethnography method to delve into the following research question: “How do women perceive and navigate the complexities of polygamous relationships, and what diverse perspectives emerge from their narratives, challenging the prevailing notion of polygamy as a universally beneficial practice?” In recounting their experiences, these women are challenging the prevailing notion of polygamy as a “wonderful sunnah,” thereby questioning its application. The narratives of women in polygamous relationships reveal a diverse spectrum of experiences and perspectives. Through a comprehensive review and analysis of these interactions, a deeper understanding of how women perceive and navigate the complexities of polygamous relationships can be gleaned. The research findings offer a nuanced perspective on women in polygamous relationships, underscoring the potential misalignment between polygamy and the individual needs and preferences of women. Additionally, the application of cognitive dissonance theory reveals a questioning of the portrayal of polygamy as a universally beneficial practice or ‘wonderful sunnah’. Furthermore, the women in polygamous relationships are not only vocal about their concerns and distress but also demonstrate resilience and determination in rationalizing their circumstances and safeguarding their interests within the intricate dynamics of these marriages. This underscores the multifaceted nature of their experiences and the intricate complexities involved in navigating the landscape of polygamous relationships. Polygamous relationships, often perceived as an unquestioned Islamic tradition, have permeated not only Islamic societies but also the Muslim West and non-Islamic countries. A study conducted within a private Facebook group, exclusively for women in polygamous relationships or seeking such arrangements, employed the virtual ethnography method to delve into the following research question: “How do women perceive and navigate the complexities of polygamous relationships, and what diverse perspectives emerge from their narratives, challenging the prevailing notion of polygamy as a universally beneficial practice?” In recounting their experiences, these women are challenging the prevailing notion of polygamy as a “wonderful sunnah,” thereby questioning its application. The narratives of women in polygamous relationships reveal a diverse spectrum of experiences and perspectives. Through a comprehensive review and analysis of these interactions, a deeper understanding of how women perceive and navigate the complexities of polygamous relationships can be gleaned. The research findings offer a nuanced perspective on women in polygamous relationships, underscoring the potential misalignment between polygamy and the individual needs and preferences of women. Additionally, the application of cognitive dissonance theory reveals a questioning of the portrayal of polygamy as a universally beneficial practice or ‘wonderful sunnah’. Furthermore, the women in polygamous relationships are not only vocal about their concerns and distress but also demonstrate resilience and determination in rationalizing their circumstances and safeguarding their interests within the intricate dynamics of these marriages. This underscores the multifaceted nature of their experiences and the intricate complexities involved in navigating the landscape of polygamous relationships.
keywords: Islam, polygamy, polygyny