Controversial Family Issues - Essay Example

Controversies Surrounding the Issue of Polygamy Controversies in marriages as well as in relationships are a common phenomenon in the contemporary society. One of the major controversial issues is polygamy, which is a common phenomenon in the Middle East as well as in Africa. This essay will focus on the reasons by supporters of polygamy to advocate for its legalization in addition to giving reasons why polygamy is a licentious practice. Polygamy, which is the practice of being married to more than one living person, has been a controversial issue particularly in the United States where the States view it as a crime.

However, polygamy is a common practice among the Mormons or the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. Dena McLain, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a strong supporter of polygamy, argues that polygamy is influenced by factors such as falling in and out of love, which cannot be prevented. He further argues that polygamy is crucial since it can enable one attain health insurance (Strong , DeVault, & Cohen, 2010).Another reason given in support of polygamy particularly in the United States is that the ratio of women to men is not equal since women are more as compared to men.

Supporters of polygamy thus argues that the practice is inevitable if all women are to get marriage partners since the only other possible option to provide partners to such women is divorce (Adams , 2008).As opposed to the view that polygamy is a noble practice, polygamy is actually a bad practice, which should never be legalized for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is the conflict associated with polygamy. Having multiple partners at a go will result in more disagreements between them as compared to monogamy where one marries or gets married to one person.

This is particularly common in cases where one man marries several women, which results in emergence of jealousy amongst them. Another reason why polygamy is a total disgrace is the fact that it is used as a tool to justify unfaithfulness in marriage, which is considered to be an immoral practice (Adams , 2008). Practicing polygyny where one woman marries several men or polyandry where one man marries many women reduces the chances of some people getting marriage partner. This is a great deprivation and the persons affected may end up living a miserable life (Adams , 2008).

Additionally, supporters of polygamy argue that it can help reduce malpractices such as child abuse and rape. This is because it would enable partners who cannot be sexually satisfied by one partner to marry more wives or husbands instead of opting for rape. Polygamist men tend to marry young girls. A good example was that of Warren Jeff who was a frontrunner in the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) who abused young girls (Strong , DeVault, & Cohen, 2010). Another reason why polygamy is an indecent practice is the fact that it increases the chances of spread of sexually transmitted diseases due to sharing of sexual partner.

An additional disadvantage associated with polygamy is the denial of enough parental attention to the children. The parent practicing polygamy may not have adequate time to give to his or her children hence be incapable of suppressing misdeeds such as crime amongst the children (Adams , 2008).ReferencesAdams , C. (2008). Polygamy II: The Good, the Bad, and the Dilemma. Retrieved Aug 23, 2012, from http://www.lewrockwell.com/adams/adams15.htmlStrong , B., DeVault, C., & Cohen, T. (2010). The Marriage and Family Experience: Intimate Relationships in a Changing Society.

New York: Cengage Learning.