What does polyandry refer to in marriage structures?

Polyandry refers to a marital structure in which one woman is simultaneously married to multiple men. This practice can be observed in various cultures and is often linked to specific socio-economic factors, such as the need to limit family size or consolidate land holdings. In societies practicing polyandry, the relationships between the woman and her husbands can be complex and may involve different familial or social obligations.

The concept challenges traditional views of marriage, particularly in Western contexts, where monogamy is the most common structure, and polygamy is typically understood as one man with multiple wives. By recognizing polyandry as a distinct form of marriage, it highlights the diversity of marital arrangements across different cultures and the various functions they serve in social organization.