2- Forms
Forms of polygamy
Polygamy exists in three specific forms:polygyny - where the family unit consists of one man and multiple wives;polyandry - where the family unit consists of one woman and multiple husbands; or group marriage - where the family unit consists of multiple husbands and multiple wives. Historically, all three practices have been found, but polygyny is by far the most common.[2] Confusion arises when the broad term "polygamy" is used when a specific form of polygamy is being referred to.
[edit] Polyandry
Polyandry is a practice where the family unit consists of one woman and more than one man. Fraternal polyandry was traditionally practiced among nomadic Tibetans in Nepal, parts of China and part of northern India, in which two or more brothers are married to the same wife, with her having equal sexual access to them. Polyandry is believed to be more likely in societies with scarce environmental resources, as it is believed to limit human population growth and enhance child survival.[citation needed] On the other hand, a child with many "fathers", all of whom provide resources, is more likely to survive.[3] It is a rare form of marriage that exists not only among poor families, but also the elite.[4]
[edit] Group marriage
Group marriage is a marriage where the family unit consists of more than one man and more than one woman, and of whom share parental responsibility for any children arising from the marriage.[citation needed]
Another possibility, which has been conceived in fiction (notably in Robert Heinlein's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress), is a line marriage, where a deceased or departing spouse in the group is continually replaced by another so that family property never becomes dispersed through inheritance.
Other forms of no monogamous relationships are discussed at forms of no monogamy, such as polyandry.
3 Patterns of occurrence across religions
Islam
In the Islam, the polygamy, contrary to the adultery, is licit on certain