F FAMILY LIFE ON POLYGAMIC WEDDINGS

Abstract

This study aims to determine how family life in a polygamous marriage, especially experienced by the first wife, and the reasons for surviving a polygamous marriage. This study used a qualitative approach. The subjects in this study were 2 women who became the first wives in a polygamous marriage. Data collection techniques were carried out by observation and in-depth interviews. The results showed that polygamy had an impact on the psychological and economic fields. The psychological impact that occurs is unhappiness in marriage, the absence of a harmonious relationship between the first wife and the husband, lowering the self-esteem of the first wife, and the injustice of the husband in providing a living both physically and mentally. Meanwhile, the positive psychological impact of polygamy is the status that is still in the bond of marriage. The impact of polygamy on the economy can be seen from a positive side and a negative side. The positive side of the economic impact is being independent and having a busy life, while the negative one is depending on the husband and decreasing the provision of income. The reasons for the survival of the first wife in a polygamous marriage, namely serving her husband, still being in a marriage bond, consideration of children, family siege that do not want a divorce, and divorced or non-divorced marital status are considered to have no effect on life.