Why Would She? Polygyny and Women's Welfare in Ghana

Ickowitz, Amy; Mohanty, Lisa

doi:10.1080/13545701.2014.992931

Cited by 23 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…As shown in this study, the level of access among higher-rank wives was similar to the level of access among monogamous women. This may be because unlike in the past when polygynous men live in the same compound with several wives, the tendency in contemporary societies is for the co-wives to leave apart (Cleuziou 2015;Ickowitz & Mohanty 2015). This may reduce tension, competition or cooperation among wives and thus not make adverse effects noticeable on time.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polygyny and Resources for Empowerment and Equality in Anglo-Phone West Africa: Implications for Childbearing and Women’s Well-Being

Solanke

Kupoluyi

Abe

et al. 2018

ESJ

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In West Africa, polygyny remained a common type of marriage. However, in spite of numerous studies exploring polygyny, the relationship between polygyny and access to resources for empowerment and equality is not well-ascertained in West Africa. This study addresses this gap by raising the question: to what extent does polygyny explains access to resources for empowerment and equality among married women? Data were extracted from 2013 Demographic and Health Surveys in The Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra-Leone. The outcome variable is access to resources for empowerment and equality measured by access to education, employment and barriers to accessing health care. The key explanatory variable is type of marriage with specific attention to polygyny. Multivariate multiple regression was applied using Stata 12. Results showed that polygyny was negatively associated with access to education in the studied countries; positively associated with access to employment in the studied countries; and negatively associated with access to health in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. It is important to refocus national attention to improving the capabilities of women because economic empowerment will not only improve women's well-being, it will also translate to the reduction of childbearing pressures among women. . Women's work and fertility in a sub[hyphen]Saharan Urban setting: a social environment approach.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polygyny and Resources for Empowerment and Equality in Anglo-Phone West Africa: Implications for Childbearing and Women’s Well-Being

Solanke

Kupoluyi

Abe

et al. 2018

ESJ

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“…Scholars and activists point out that polygyny can have considerable detrimental impact on women’s well-being. Several studies report how polygyny is related with a lower uptake of contraceptives and an increased chance for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS [6, 22, 27, 28, 34, 37–40]. It has also been suggested that polygyny may contribute to fertility problems given the irregularity of sexual contact and a higher susceptibility to STIs (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Women with infertility complying with and resisting polygyny: an explorative qualitative study in urban Gambia

et al. 2019

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Background In many low-and middle-income countries women with infertility are often in polygynous marriages. From a human and women’s rights perspective, the practice of polygyny is commonly understood as harmful. Studies indicate that polygyny aggravates negative life circumstances of women with infertility with respect to their health and social well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how women with infertility experience polygyny and to understand their decision-making regarding these marriages. Methods An explorative qualitative study was conducted among women with infertility in the urban communities of the West Coast region of The Gambia using in-depth interviews (30). Data analysis involved an emergent and partially inductive thematic framework and was carried out using NVivo 11. Results With the exception of some women with infertility who described positive experiences within polygynous marriages, most women emphasised conflicts that exist within polygynous households and reported financial and emotional difficulties. Thematic analysis identified several strategies of women with infertility to cope with and resist polygynous marriages, including overcoming childlessness, addressing conflict, spending time outside the compound, looking for social support, kanyaleng kafoolu , living separately and initiating divorce. Moreover, the experiences and decision-making power of women with infertility when it comes to polygynous marriages was found to be closely related to their socio-demographic background. Conclusion This work highlights how women with infertility in polygynous marriages are in a precarious situation in urban Gambia. Women utilize a mix of compliance, coping and resistance strategies to navigate the challenges of polygynous marriages in a structurally constraining context.

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“…Customary access to land is mainly organized through family or kinship that follows maternal or paternal bloodlines, known as matrilineal or patrilineal systems, respectively (La Ferrara, 2007). The Akan ethnicity is the matrilineal ethnic group in Ghana, whereas there are several other patrilineal ethnic groups in the country (Ickowitz and Mohanty, 2015). Most women, especially those belonging to the patrilineal groups, do not inherit their fathers' land because their families do not want the land to be transferred to another family upon marriage (Oduro et al, 2011).…”

Section: Background: Landownership and Gender Norms In Ghanamentioning

confidence: 99%

Landownership and the gender gap in agriculture: Disappointing insights from Northern Ghana

Institute¹

2019

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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), established in 1975, provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI's strategic research aims to foster a climate-resilient and sustainable food supply; promote healthy diets and nutrition for all; build inclusive and efficient markets, trade systems, and food industries; transform agricultural and rural economies; and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is integrated in all the Institute's work. Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management are essential components to translate IFPRI's research from action to impact. The Institute's regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world.

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Why Would She? Polygyny and Women's Welfare in Ghana

Cited by 23 publications

References 31 publications

Polygyny and Resources for Empowerment and Equality in Anglo-Phone West Africa: Implications for Childbearing and Women’s Well-Being

Polygyny and Resources for Empowerment and Equality in Anglo-Phone West Africa: Implications for Childbearing and Women’s Well-Being

Women with infertility complying with and resisting polygyny: an explorative qualitative study in urban Gambia

Landownership and the gender gap in agriculture: Disappointing insights from Northern Ghana

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