Short Answer: No
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More Thoughts: Although it is not up to a woman to determine, approve or disprove what a man can, or cannot do, depending on the scenario desired, it may be wise to include her in the process to whatever degree is mutually agreeable, so as to promote the spirit of harmony and cooperation. Cultural and religious context is of course a consideration. In some cultures, it is already determined, that the man has complete authority along these lines, and his wife or wives are expected to cooperate in advance, if he so chooses to add another wife. In other cultures, he may only do so with the wife or wive’s permission, and it is the wife or wive’s who will choose another wife for their husband, if they agree to the addition. Then there is everything in between. In some situations, the wives are not expected at all to interact, and have completely separate residences. In others, a more communal environment is desired, where there is a foundation of sisterhood and cooperative economics. Wives may live in the same household with their husband in a communal cooperative setting. There is ultimately no official right or wrong way. It is a matter of choice and preference, cultural or religious observance, as well as an awareness of what people are currently capable of handling. There is also the issue of whether or not the wife already knew that her husband wanted to pursue a Polygynous life. Ideally, it was previously discussed and agreed upon prior to marriage. If not previously agreed upon, this may alter how the subject and pursuance is approached.
From our point of view, it is ideal that people have a pre-existing agreement and acceptance of entering into polygyny, prior to marriage or getting intimately involved. Based on the cultural context which most of us find ourselves, and the predominant monogamous oriented mindset, as a courteous consideration, it is wise for a man to inform his wife of his plans, to encourage her cooperation and involvement, to consider her input, and his developments with any woman he is interested in will cause changes in the marital relationship, with their emotional well being, as well as the structure of the family’s home environment. If children are present, they will also have to adjust to changes, positive or negative. Circumstances where a man has surprised his wife with the addition of a new wife to the family, without her knowledge or prior notice, has been seen to produce more conflict and discontent than is desirable. In all, open dialogue, communication and a realistic evaluation of the concerns, commitment level, and the producing of the best circumstances desirable with everyone in mind, can help each person through the general challenges associated with living a successfully harmonious polygynous marriage.
It should be noted, that no one can be forced to be in, or stay in, a polygynous marriage. As well, no one can be forced to be in, or stay in, a monogamous one. Everyone has the freedom of choice. We should honor our commitments to the best of our abilities. Sometimes, our prior commitments may conflict with who we become as we grow in knowledge and wisdom. At times it may be necessary to choose between the importance of our own pursuits based on who we have become, and the preserving of our relationships. Will the relationship stifle you from pursuing a Divine calling which you should not compromise, or will you abandon a good relationship due to a selfish and vain pursuit? Know thyself.
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