Polygyny and Christian Marriage in Africa: The Case of Benin

Abstract

Abstract:Since the arrival of European missionaries in Africa, there has been charged debate over people's marriage choices. This article outlines the major elements in the academic, theological, and popular discourses on marriage in Africa, focusing on two topics: the conceptual divide between monogamous Christian marriage and African polygyny, and the claim that women automatically prefer monogamy. By comparing the assumptions in the literature with ethnographic data from the Republic of Benin, this article demonstrates that marital choices cannot necessarily be predicted by a person's gender and rarely are characterized by a definitive conceptual divide. Instead, personal motives related to economics, prestige, and competition for power are the main factors in marriage choices.

The Dilemmas of Monogamy: Pleasure, Discipline and the Pentecostal Moral Self in the Republic of Benin

“…Nineteenth century Christian missionaries 4 saw polygamy as one of the major obstacles to overcome in their efforts to Christianize the population [38,39]. Many of them condemned this practice as uncivilized, unchristian and immoral ( [40], p. 341).…”

“…Many of them condemned this practice as uncivilized, unchristian and immoral ( [40], p. 341). Missionary efforts to establish monogamy as the only form of Christian marriage were supported by colonial administrations that justified its enforcement by establishing legal frameworks ( [38], p. 55). However, there is also evidence that missionary strategies in establishing monogamy varied across the continent and denominations, some were more tolerant and permissive of polygyny than others ( [38,40] pp.…”

“…Polygyny has been and continues to be a predominant form of marriage, especially in West Africa ( [41], p. 363; [38], p. 56). Neither increasing urbanization, which modernization theories predicted would contribute to its disappearance ( [41], p. 365), nor missionary efforts have achieved much to change this predominance.…”

“…It is well known that many so-called monogamous men in Catholic and Methodist churches marry and live with one official wife, but keep clandestine relationships with other women, who are popularly referred to as seconde or troisième bureau (second or third office). Similarly, the Celestial Church of Christ, one of the largest African Independent Churches in Benin, tolerates polygynous unions on the basis that it is hypocritical to claim monogamous fidelity, while living in concubinage ( [38], p. 57). In contrast, Pentecostalism is the only Christian denomination that severely condemns polygamy as unchristian and immoral and shows no tolerance towards "born-again" men who decide to take another wife.…”

'Paroles de vie': Christian radio producers in the Republic of Benin

“…This category of programme also contains debates, for example on the right method of family planning, sterility or how to avoid sexual frustration. It also relates to current popular debates on the reasons for adultery and jealousy, and often to the complex concepts influencing the practices of monogamy and polygyny (Falen 2008). The centrality of moral issues can be seen as an accompanying element to the ongoing social transformation that entails much pressure on the younger generations, to keep up with role models of harmonious family life, as a good husband or wife and admired lover, solidarity in times of growing competition, and social and physical mobility in a changing society.…”