拠点大学交流事業 特別セミナー:プロジェクト8「変貌する「家族」」主催

Core University Program Special Seminar  Project 8: "Changing 'Families'"

Seminar by: Dr. Shanthi Thambiah,Gender Studies Programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya

Time and Date: Thursday February 7th, 2008 P.M.4.00 to 5.30.

Place: CSEAS Kyoto University East Bldg. 2nd floor seminar room

Title of Presentation:

POLYGAMY AND QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE AMONGST MUSLIMS IN THE KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA[1]

Abstract:

This presentation is based on the preliminary findings of a survey that began in 2007.

Polygamy is a term used in anthropology and sociology to refer to marriages in which a spouse of either sex has more than one mate. The two categories for polygamy are:  (a) polygyny where a man has more than one wife at a time and (b) polyandry where a woman has more than one husband at a time. Since polyandry is not permitted in Islam, the terms "polygamy" or "polygamous marriage" are often used interchangeably in Malaysia and most Muslim societies to refer to "polygyny" or "polygynous marriage". This is a sociological and empirical study of the practice of polygyny with the main objective to ascertain its impact on family life.

Firstly, the presentation focuses on the national level statistics on Muslim marriages and polygamy in Malaysia. Trends and patterns observed at the national level will be discussed. Secondly, the discussion will show how polygamy affects families who are within this structure of kinship; and to understand the dynamics of polygynous families, their different experiences, needs and concerns. Finally, the presentation will expound on concepts of marital satisfaction and quality of relationships within polygamous families and critique it as a social institution from a gender perspective.

CONTACT:  Yoko Hayami x7336 yhayami@cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp, Junko Koizumi x7337 jkoizumi@cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp


[1] This is a part of a larger national level project done in collaboration with Sisters in Islam, University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Science Malaysia. This presentation is only based on a survey conducted in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor which was funded by the FRGS Grant, University of Malaya

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