AfricaBib 
bibliographic database
| Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
 WorldCat |
| Title: | The Myths of Polygamy: A History of Extra-Marital and Multi-Partnership Sex in South Africa |
| Authors: | Delius, Peter Glaser, Clive |
| Year: | 2004 |
| Periodical: | South African Historical Journal |
| Issue: | 50 |
| Pages: | 84-114 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | South Africa |
| Subjects: | customary law family law marriage law polygamy sexuality promiscuity history Health and Nutrition History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Women's Issues Historical/Biographical Cultural Roles Marital Relations and Nuptiality |
| External link: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02582470409464797 |
| Abstract: | This historiographical essay on extra-marital and multi-partnership sex in South Africa contests the popular appeal to a tradition of polygamous marriage as an explanation of promiscuous sexual behaviour in the present. The essay traces shifting patterns of marriage and extra-marital sex from the time of early colonial contact to the present. It argues that polygamy was less widespread than imagined and that it did not curb extra-marital sexual activity. Sex was not the cornerstone of marriage; marriage was more about the organization of the household, the transaction of cattle and the rights to offspring. This concept of marriage allowed for a more flexible and open understanding of sexual morality. The essay highlights the impact of Christianity on sexual norms and practices. By curbing open discussion on sexuality and disrupting traditional marital models, Christianity had the effect of driving extra-marital affairs underground. In addition, the essay argues that migrant labour and urbanization allowed women an unprecedented level of independence, thus making them more able to dictate the terms of sexual interaction, even in the context of marriage. Paradoxically, women's position was weakened by the erosion of social structures, kinship networks and male backlash against independent women. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract] |
