Year 11 - Religious education
Contemporary family issues: Polygamy
Relationships and families
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will examine issues around sexuality, the family and relationships. They will study how Christians and other worldviews understand ideas of family and marriage and address how these affect views on issues such as divorce.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how polygamy is viewed around the world, and religious teachings and views on it.
Key Notes
- Polygamous marriages are legal in some countries but not recognised by law in the UK
- Christian teachings support monogamy and mainstream denominations do not allow polygamy
- Islam teaches that polygamy (polygyny) is allowed, up to four wives, if wives are treated fairly
- There are different reasons why people might practise polygamy including social and economic benefits
- Views on polygamy vary and will be influenced by different factors e.g. the purpose of marriage
Vocabulary To Learn
- monogamy: the practice of having one spouse (wife or husband)
- polygamy: the practice of having multiple spouses (wives and/or husbands)
- spouse: a marriage partner: husband or wife
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Polygamy is only done because men want lots of wives.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Polygamous marriages are legal in some countries but not recognised by law in the UK. Christian teachings support monogamy and mainstream denominations do not allow polygamy.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'monogamy'
the practice of having one spouse (wife or husband).
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Polygamy is only done because men want lots of wives. Correction: There are different types of polygamy (polygyny and polyandry) and there are different reasons why it might be practised.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Contraception and family planning Study Guide
- Different religious views about contraception Study Guide
- Different religious views about same sex relationships Study Guide
- Different religious views about sex before marriage Study Guide
- Divorce, remarriage and related ethical arguments Study Guide
- Gender prejudice and discrimination Study Guide
- Human sexuality including heterosexual and same sex relationships Study Guide
- Religious attitudes to marriage Study Guide
- Religious views about divorce and remarriage Study Guide
- Sexual relationships before and outside of marriage Study Guide
- The nature and purpose of marriage Study Guide
- The nature of families including the role of parents and children Study Guide
- The purpose of families Study Guide
- The roles of men and women Study Guide
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