This policy brief is part of a Gender Links series on complex and controversial issues that intersect with its work. There are few social issues as contentious as polygamy. Those who support the practice argue that polygamy is a cultural tradition that improves economic stability in the home. Its proponents say women often choose polygamy over monogamy, aware that infidelity is present in many relationships and it is better to keep it in the open.

Polygamy's detractors underscore the gender inequity that is inherent in polygamous relationships in an already patriarchal system. In addition, they highlight the emotional stress linked to competition between wives and children for attention and resources, as well as the lack of rights that sometimes leads to gender violence. While some argue that polygamy helps reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS, this is only the case if all within the relationship are HIV negative and remain faithful to one another. An increasing number of studies suggest that polygamy may be an accelerator of the virus.