In some cultures, polygamy is allowed, and sometimes even encouraged. If we assume that this is morally fine, what are the moral implications for two of these women (both currently married to the same man) to have a sexual relationship with each other? How often does this occur?

This post has been edited by dkk: Jan 2 2011, 11:06 PM

Having one wife is enough to kill the husband, now imagine two.
And in the future, imagine having TWO mothers-in-law XD

It's a shame I think, to narrow down the scope of polygamy to solely on sex alone. Maybe you did not meant for it to be that way, but your question directs us to discuss more on the sexual impacts.

Is that how you wish to continue the discussion? Ought to make sure before committing myself to type out the arguments

I had been reading a book, a modern retelling of the story of Rama in his youth. He had 3 mothers. It was common in those days for a king to have multiple wives and even more concubines. Snap to the present day.

It seems unfair for polygamy to be allowed, but not polyandry. In a society that practices polygamy, what can the women do? Marry their co-wives? How does society look on that?

We need consider the bond between the women. In the modern context the second wife would be initially view as a competitor or enemy by the first wife. Perhaps in due time they can develop a sorority bond, as with the case of concubines. This bond may not cause them to seek sexual gratification with each other. If the husbands practise orgy with his wives then there would be a likelihood. Then the question is would the husband do such things. I am incline to think that the husband will initially have to settle their rivalry before he can encourage them to orgy.

polygamy is practiced regularly in animal kingdom.

from a biological standpoint, polygamy is more useful than polyandry. each female need a certain gestation period to reproduce, while the male only has to deal with a much shorter intercourse recovery. so when you want to pass on the superior genes of an alpha male as effectively as possible, you pair that 1 male with numerous females

Polyandry is practiced, in Tibet and even certain areas of India.

To make it simple, polyandry promotes the chances of the offspring surviving, thus attaining adulthood. Or you could say increase the quality of life. This normally occurs where the husband may have to leave home for months to bring the animals for grazing (ie nomadic societies)

Polygamy promotes the perpetuation of species and increases population count.

It weird that nobody seem to answer the question posed by the opening thread but commented on the pros and cons of polygamy or polyandry.