What does polygamy include?

Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously. It encompasses various forms, such as polygyny, where a man has multiple wives, and polyandry, where a woman has multiple husbands. This arrangement diverges significantly from monogamy, which consists of a union between only two partners, and it allows for a broader range of family structures and dynamics. Understanding polygamy is essential in sociology as it highlights cultural differences in family systems and the various forms that relationships can take across societies.