Adaptation of polygamous couples: The experiences of living Indonesian women

• Main Authors: Sukiati, Sukiati, Nor, M.R.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Research Institute of Asian Women 2023
• Subjects: BL Religion; BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc; Islam; HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/44149/1/2023%20artikel%20Asian%20Women.pdf; http://eprints.um.edu.my/44149/; https://doi.org/10.14431/aw.2023.12.39.4.59

Polygamy is commonly perceived as a form of patriarchal dominance over women, and numerous preliminary studies have highlighted its detrimental effects on children’s futures. However, this research offers an alternative perspective on polygamy in Indonesia, stating that it is not always inherently unjust toward women and that families practicing polygamy can be happy. It also aims to understand the dynamics of polygamous families by examining their profiles, reasons, relationships, and happiness. Using a qualitative narrative method, this study included women engaged in polygamous marriages. Participants were chosen via purposive sampling from Java and North Sumatra villages. The results showed that wives involved in polygamous relationships were of varying ages, and their husbands had diverse professions. Furthermore, this practice could occur with or without the wives’ consent. Initially, the relationships among wives were usually strained, leading to conflict; however, over time, they made peace with their reality and developed a partnership that enabled them to help each other. Happiness in the polygamous family was interpreted based on awareness of the division of labor and fulfilling all the needs of life, specifically for the children’s future.