Management Strategies in Polygynous Family Systems: A Study of Polygamous Men in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan

Farahmand, Mahnaz; Muradi, Abdullah

doi:10.48308/jfr.2025.239537.1966

Management Strategies in Polygynous Family Systems: A Study of Polygamous Men in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahnaz Farahmand ¹
Abdullah Muradi ²

¹ Department of sociology, Faculty of social science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

² Department of Economic Sociology and Development, Faculty of social science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

10.48308/jfr.2025.239537.1966

Abstract

Polygyny is a complex and challenging phenomenon in various societies, requiring careful management and specialized skills by polygamous men. This study aims to explore and analyze effective management strategies employed by polygamous men in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, and examines the techniques they use to reduce familial tensions and maintain balance in spousal relationships. The research adopts a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 polygamous men who had been in a plural marriage for at least five years.

The findings reveal that the management strategies of polygamous men can be categorized into four main themes: authority and control, family cohesion, ethical conduct, and resilience patterns. The results indicate that ensuring fairness in the distribution of financial resources and equitable treatment among wives directly reduces conflicts and enhances family satisfaction. Additionally, adherence to ethical values such as honesty, consultation, and fairness plays a key role in strengthening solidarity and stability in polygamous families. Some men drew on the experiences of predecessors to mitigate conflicts and establish balance, striving to avoid past mistakes.

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