Polygyny and fertility among the sereer of senegal
Garenne, M.; Van, D.W.lle E.
Population Studies 43(2): 267-284
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-4728 DOI: 10.1080/0032472031000144116Document Number: 362743
The population laboratory of Ngayokheme, in Senegal, has been observed longitudinally since 1962. Information on marital status at the time of birth (rather than at the time of a survey) is used to examine the effect of polygyny on fertility. Although plural marriages are less fertile and the rank order of the wife has an effect, the mechanism appears to operate through the age difference of the spouses and the greater likelihood of temporary separate residence in the case of polygynous marriages. An examination of birth intervals suggests that the lower fecundity of older men, rather than a reduction of the frequency of intercourse, is the main factor. However, there is little relation between the fertility of different wives of the same polygynists.