Nuptiality and the persistence of polygamy in urban areas of Mali
Marcoux, R.
Cahiers Quebecois de Demographie 26(2): 191-214; 340
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0380-1721 PMID: 12348491 Document Number: 273375
The author analyzes reasons for and trends in polygamy in urban areas of Mali. "Although there have been major transformations in nuptiality patterns in urban areas in Mali (growing celibacy and an increase in the average age at marriage), the fact remains that the incidence of polygamy showed no significant change from 1960 to 1987. An examination of some of the economic characteristics of women in polygamous unions and of the households to which they belong seems to point to some interesting research approaches to increase our understanding of the persistence of this matrimonial institution in certain African cities." (EXCERPT)