Plural Marriage for Our Times

Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: Dr. Kilbride's well-researched analysis of the practice of plural marriage is an important step toward rethinking our outlook on how people are "supposed to" relate. His extensive background in polygamy as it is practiced in African cultures is both an asset and a liability, unfortunately. By focussing too greatly on the African experience, he lessens the value of his work to Western readers. His personal ambivalence shows through at times, too, especially in the mildness of his "advocacy" near the end. Still, he looks at this "taboo" approach to relating from the sociological, biological, and ethical/religious views, and helps knock down some of the preconceived notions about the "preeminence" of monogamy.

Despite Dr. Kilbride's "circumspection" in his recommendations, this book is well worth reading for both the academic and general public with an interest in alternatives to conventional monogamy in response to the dramatically changed social, political, and economic circumstances of the 21st century.

Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: Dr. Kilbride's well-researched analysis of the practice of plural marriage is an important step toward rethinking our outlook on how people are "supposed to" relate. His extensive background in polygamy as it is practiced in African cultures is both an asset and a liability, unfortunately. By focussing too greatly on the African experience, he lessens the value of his work to Western readers. His personal ambivalence shows through at times, too, especially in the mildness of his "advocacy" near the end. Still, he looks at this "taboo" approach to relating from the sociological, biological, and ethical/religious views, and helps knock down some of the preconceived notions about the "preeminence" of monogamy.

Despite Dr. Kilbride's "circumspection" in his recommendations, this book is well worth reading for both the academic and general public with an interest in alternatives to conventional monogamy in response to the dramatically changed social, political, and economic circumstances of the 21st century.