Polygamy and Welfare Implications for Women: Evidence from 12 West African Countries

Abstract

Despite a decrease in its prevalence over the past century, polygamy remains a prominent feature in many African countries. While there is no universal consensus, there is a general negative perception of the practice of polygamy, given the noted adverse effects of this practice on women, and often times, children as well.

Using data from recent rounds of the Demographic and Health Surveys on 12 West African countries, and a series of pooled probit estimations, the study seeks to examine the evidence on the correlation between polygamy and women’s acceptance of domestic violence and their degree of autonomy and decision-making power within the household. We address potential selection complications by employing a propensity score matching (PSM) technique. We find that while women in polygamous households are more likely to be accepting of abuse, they are also more likely to have autonomy in various decision-making processes within their households. Results also indicate that although polygamy is correlated with women’s acceptance of abuse, some of these effects are mediated by the socioeconomic statuses of the various households.

This research provides some useful policy implications. First, calls to ban the practice of polygamy may be supported, given that this practice is affiliated with a higher acceptance of abuse by women. Nonetheless, the higher associated autonomy and decision-making power for women in polygamous unions should also be taken in consideration as a potential unexpected outcome of these unions. Second, efforts to increase women’s autonomy and reduce domestic violence may also take into factors such as the age at first marriage, employment and education of women.