How does polygamy work in modern society? | The Conversation | Focus on Africa

You may have heard about South Africa’s viral Netflix show, The Polygamist. The series has been trending across the continent, sparking conversations about relationships, marriage and fidelity. Now, according to the Pew Research Center, a US-based think tank, only around 2% of the world's population lives in polygamous households. However, the practice is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 11% of people are part of polygamous families. So, what is it really like to be in a polygamous marriage, and why do some people choose this way of life? Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Takid Master, a martial arts teacher based in Nairobi, Kenya, along with his first wife, Cecilia and his second wife, Mariam, about how their relationship works. 00:00-00:35 Coming Up 00:35-02:00 Meeting Takid, Cecilia and Mariam 02:00-03:15 How did Takid and Cecilia meet? 03:15-04:15 When did Takid decide to take a second wife? 04:15-06:10 Cecilia's reaction 06:10-07:35 Mariam's decision to become a second wife 07:35-08:25 Why did Takid want a second wife? 08:25-11:30 How does polygamy affect women and children? 11:30-16:20 Are humans naturally polygamous by nature? 16:20-18:05 Jealousy in a polygamous set-up 18:05-19:00 Would Cecilia accept a second wife if she was the bread winner? 19:00-19:45 Social media reactions 19:45-21:05 Generational trauma within polygamous families 21:05-22:40 Providing financially for two wives 22:40-25:00 The benefits of being in a polygamous marriage Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook:   / bbcnewsafrica   Twitter:   / bbcafrica   Instagram:   / bbcafrica