The Enduring Appeal of Polygamy: Why Women Still Seek to join Families Like Kody Brown’s
The concept of polygamy, specifically plural marriage within fundamentalist Mormonism, continues to fascinate and, surprisingly, attract interest even as mainstream acceptance remains limited. Recent revelations from reality television personality Kody Brown – specifically, his disclosure to his wife Robyn about receiving unsolicited offers of marriage from women – highlight a persistent, and often misunderstood, phenomenon. This article delves into the reasons behind this enduring appeal, the social dynamics at play, the historical context, and the psychological factors that contribute to women actively seeking to join polygamist families. We’ll explore the nuances of this lifestyle, moving beyond sensationalism to offer a complete and informed viewpoint.
Understanding the Motivations: Why Seek Plural Marriage?
The reasons women express interest in joining polygamist families are complex and multifaceted. It’s a gross oversimplification to attribute it solely to religious conviction.While faith undoubtedly plays a role for many, especially within groups adhering to principles of Mormon fundamentalism, other motivations are frequently cited. These include:
* Spiritual Fulfillment: Some women believe that plural marriage is a higher law, a divinely ordained path to spiritual growth and exaltation. This belief is deeply rooted in specific interpretations of religious texts.
* Community and Sisterhood: Polygamist communities frequently enough emphasize strong female bonds. The idea of a supportive network of sister wives, sharing responsibilities and offering emotional support, is appealing to some women.
* Desire for a Large Family: For those who deeply value motherhood and a large family, plural marriage offers a pathway to achieving that desire without the societal constraints of conventional monogamy.
* Economic Security: historically, and in some contemporary contexts, joining a well-established polygamist family can offer a degree of economic stability, particularly in communities where resources are limited.
* Personal Fulfillment & Love: The belief that a man can offer love and companionship to multiple women, and that women can find fulfillment in sharing a partner, is a core tenet for proponents of polygamy.
The Social Dynamics of Approaching a Polygamist Family
Kody Brown’s experience – receiving a direct email from a woman offering herself for marriage – highlights a breach of established social protocols within some polygamist circles. As Robyn Brown pointed out, the “proper” approach typically involves going through existing “sister wives.” This underscores the intricate social hierarchy and established norms governing courtship and integration into these families.
The process frequently enough involves:
- Initial Contact: Potential candidates often make their interest known through existing members of the community or through established networks.
- Screening and Assessment: Existing wives play a meaningful role in assessing the suitability of a potential new wife, evaluating her character, beliefs, and compatibility with the family dynamic.
- Courtship: A period of courtship allows the man and the woman to get to know each other,often under the supervision of existing wives.
- Acceptance and Integration: If accepted, the new wife undergoes a formal marriage ceremony and begins the process of integrating into the family and community.
This structured process is designed to minimize conflict and ensure the stability of the family unit. Direct approaches, like the one Kody Brown received, are frequently enough viewed as disrespectful and disruptive.
Historical Context: The roots of Polygamy in Mormonism
The history of plural marriage is inextricably linked to the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, is believed to have secretly practiced polygamy in the 1840s. The practice was publicly acknowledged in 1852, leading to significant conflict with the U.S. government.
The LDS Church officially discontinued the practice in 1890 under pressure from the federal government. However, splinter
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