Families in Canada Grade 12 Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The definition of polygamy is indeed marriage to multiple spouses. This term encompasses different forms of marriage arrangements where an individual can have more than one partner simultaneously. Polygamy often includes various structures such as polygyny, where one man marries multiple women, and polyandry, where one woman marries multiple men.

Understanding this concept is essential as it highlights cultural practices and societal norms regarding marriage that can vary significantly between different communities and legal jurisdictions. This contrasts with marriage to one person, which is monogamy, and does not encompass arrangements involving multiple partners. Additionally, marriages to same-sex partners and marriages without legal recognition pertain to entirely different aspects of relationships and family dynamics, further distinguishing them from the definition of polygamy.