New
New
Year 11
AQA

Contemporary family issues: Polygamy

I can explain how polygamy is viewed around the world, and religious teachings and views on it.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Contemporary family issues: Polygamy

I can explain how polygamy is viewed around the world, and religious teachings and views on it.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Polygamous marriages are legal in some countries but not recognised by law in the UK
  2. Christian teachings support monogamy and mainstream denominations do not allow polygamy
  3. Islam teaches that polygamy (polygyny) is allowed, up to four wives, if wives are treated fairly
  4. There are different reasons why people might practise polygamy including social and economic benefits
  5. Views on polygamy vary and will be influenced by different factors e.g. the purpose of marriage

Keywords

  • 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 misconception

Polygamy is only done because men want lots of wives.

There are different types of polygamy (polygyny and polyandry) and there are different reasons why it might be practised.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Contemporary family issues: Polygamy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Consider the purpose/s of marriage with students. Then discuss how your view on the purpose might influence your view on polygamy. There is an Oak lesson on the purpose of marriage to help with ideas.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
One Christian teaching on family is that it is important for (which means having children).

Correct Answer: procreation, Procreation

Q2.
The 2022 UK survey data shows that , kindness and support are important for families.

Correct Answer: love, Love

Q3.
What is one Christian purpose of family?

Gaining wealth
Correct answer: Procreation
Social status

Q4.
What does the Bible teach about providing for family members?

Correct answer: It is a key responsibility
It is not necessary
Only the church should provide support

Q5.
What do many Christians believe parents should do for their children?

Let them choose their own beliefs
Keep them isolated from other faiths
Correct answer: Teach them about Christianity

Q6.
How have attitudes towards procreation changed over time?

More people think having children is essential
No changes in attitudes have occurred
Correct answer: More people approve of not having children

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.

Correct Answer:Monogamy,the practice of having one spouse (wife or husband)

the practice of having one spouse (wife or husband)

Correct Answer:Polygamy,the practice of having multiple spouses (wives and/or husbands)

the practice of having multiple spouses (wives and/or husbands)

Correct Answer:Spouse,a marriage partner: husband or wife

a marriage partner: husband or wife

Q2.
What type of marriage does Christianity generally support?

Correct answer: Monogamy
Polygamy
Polyandry

Q3.
What does Islam teach about polygamy?

It is never allowed
Correct answer: It is allowed with conditions
It is required for all men

Q4.
Why did Prophet Muhammad place restrictions on polygamy?

Correct answer: To prevent unfair treatment of women
To encourage men to have many wives
To make polygamy illegal

Q5.
What is a legal issue for polygamous marriages in the UK?

They are recognised under civil law
They are required by some religions
Correct answer: They are not legally valid

Q6.
Why might people support polygamy?

Correct answer: It can provide social and economic benefits
It ensures men have many wives
It prevents monogamy