The Experiences of Rural VhaVenda Women Involved in Polygamous Marriages

Abstract

The study explored the experiences of five rural VhaVenda women involved in polygamous marriages aged between twenty seven and sixty four years. The five participants were selected through snowball sampling method from four villages in Vhembe District (Limpopo Province). Data were analysed qualitatively using Mostyn's (1985) four phases of content analysis. Participants considered polygamous marriage among the vhaVenda to be a cultural phenomenon that has both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, the participants found polygamy to provide social support and to minimise divorce and promiscuity. On the negative side, polygamy was found to lower the quality of life for women involved in such a marriage arrangement. Other negative consequences associated with polygamy included feelings of distress and entrapment, the lack of control that these women have over their sexuality, the humiliation that they experience due to constant conflicts with co-wives, favouritism and neglect by husbands, and the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS because of the multiple relationships.