Yes, a woman can marry more than one husband, though it is far less common than a man marrying multiple wives.
Polyandry: A Less Common Form of Polygamy
While polygamy is often associated with a man having multiple wives (polygyny), there is another form called polyandry, where a woman has more than one husband. As the reference indicates:
Polygamy usually takes the form of polygyny – when a man marries multiple women. Polyandry, which refers to wives having more than one husband, is even rarer than polygamy and mostly documented among small and relatively isolated communities around the world.
Key Points About Polyandry
- Rarity: Polyandry is significantly less common than polygyny.
- Geographic Distribution: It is primarily found in small, isolated communities.
- Cultural Context: Polyandry is usually rooted in specific cultural or economic conditions.
Examples of Polyandry
While rare, some examples of polyandry exist:
- Fraternal Polyandry: In some cultures, especially in certain parts of Tibet, a woman may marry all the brothers in a family.
- Non-fraternal Polyandry: Less common, this involves a woman marrying men who are not related to each other.
- Economic Factors: In some instances, polyandry arises due to economic pressures, such as limited land resources, where multiple husbands contribute to the family’s livelihood.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Polygyny | Polyandry |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | One man marrying multiple women | One woman marrying multiple men |
| Commonality | More common | Rarer |
| Distribution | More widespread geographically | Typically in small, isolated communities |
Conclusion
In summary, while it's not the norm, a woman can marry more than one husband, a practice known as polyandry. This is a much less prevalent practice than polygyny and is generally confined to specific cultural and economic contexts.
