Polygyny, inequality, and social unrest

Arbeitspapier

This paper proposes three theoretical mechanisms through which polygyny may be related to social unrest. The mechanisms are related to different dimensions of grievance-inducing and, partly, greed-related inequality, which may occur in polygynous societies. These dimensions include (i) economic, reproductive and social inequality resulting in relative deprivation among non-elite men; (ii) inequality within elites when it comes to the distribution of resources and inheritance, both related to the relative position of dependent family members in a clan; and (iii) gender inequality in general. Using data for 41 African countries from 1990{2014, we provide evidence for these mechanisms and their relationship to social unrest. We find that especially the first and third dimension of inequality are correlated with social unrest. Furthermore, we consider several potential counter-arguments but do not find support for them.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Diskussionsbeiträge ; No. 2020-02

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions ; Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure; Domestic Abuse ; Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
• Subject: Polygyny ; Inequality ; Women's Rights ; Social Unrest ; Africa ; Institutions

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Krieger, Tim ; Renner, Laura
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Wilfried-Guth-Stiftungsprofessur für Ordnungs- und Wettbewerbspolitik
• (where): Freiburg i. Br.
• (when): 2020

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/215836
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET