GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Sociology GlossaryPolygamy

Polygamy - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

Last updated

Polygamy is a type of marriage where one person is married to more than one partner at the same time. It is different from monogamy, which means being married to just one person. Polygamy can involve either a man having multiple wives, known as polygyny, or a woman having multiple husbands, called polyandry. This practice is accepted in some cultures and religions but is illegal in the UK and many other countries. In sociology, studying polygamy helps us understand different family structures and cultural norms around the world.

Examiner-written GCSE Sociology revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Sociology revision resources

Share this article

Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now