Polyandry
Updated:Polyandry is a form of non-monogamous relationship or marriage in which a woman has multiple male partners simultaneously. It's a specific type of polygamy, where one individual has multiple spouses. In polyandrous arrangements, a single woman is married to or in a committed relationship with two or more men at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved.
Additional Information
Polyandry is relatively rare compared to other forms of non-monogamy. It has been practiced in some cultures for economic, social, or religious reasons. For example, fraternal polyandry, where a woman marries multiple brothers, has been observed in certain Himalayan cultures as a way to keep family land intact.
In modern contexts, polyandry may be practiced as part of ethical non-monogamy or polyamory, where individuals choose to have multiple committed relationships. It's important to note that polyandry, like all forms of consensual non-monogamy, requires open communication, trust, and mutual agreement among all partners.
Examples
Traditional polyandry: A woman in Tibet marrying two brothers to maintain family property
Modern polyandry: A woman in an ethical non-monogamous relationship with two long-term male partners