Adelphogamy

  Adelphogamy: Definition

Adelphogamy refers to a marital arrangement where brothers share a wife. The term comes from the Greek adelphos (brother) and gamos (marriage). It is a specific type of polyandry, where the men involved are siblings.

Cultural and Social Context

• Purpose: Historically, adelphogamy was used to preserve family property or strengthen family unity.

• Difference from polyandry: Polyandry involves one woman marrying multiple men, while adelphogamy specifies that those men are brothers.

• Modern view: Today it is extremely rare and mostly discussed in anthropology or sociology rather than practiced widely.

Broader Significance

Adelphogamy illustrates how different societies have shaped marriage systems to adapt to social or economic needs. It also highlights the diversity of human relationship structures beyond monogamy.

  FAQ

1. What is adelphic polyandry?
It is the practice where brothers jointly marry the same woman, making it a special form of polyandry.

2. What are the alternative terms for adelphogamy?
It is also described as fraternal polyandry or brotherly polyandry in academic discussions.

3. Can two brothers marry the same girl?
Yes, that situation is the basis of adelphogamy, though in most societies it is not legally or socially accepted today.

4. Why is polyandry bad?
Some argue it creates inequality or tension, while others view it as a practical solution in specific social contexts.

5. Which country allows polyandry?
Rather than modern legal systems, adelphogamy has appeared historically in certain cultural traditions, but it is not commonly practiced now.