Socio-Psychological Impacts of Polygyny on Upbringing Children, With Special Reference to Pashtun Community in Quetta, Balochistan

Abstract

The objective of the study was to analyze the socio-psychological impacts of polygyny on upbringing children within Pashtun community. Polygyny is practiced in Muslim societies with greater frequency. Its implications on the upbringing of children has not been investigated within the Pashtun community of Quetta. It was imperative to address the gap comprehensively. This study defined polygyny as marriage to multiple wives, including children aged (15 to 24) years.The research employed a qualitative methodology, using snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews to collect data from fourteen young male and female children in polygynous families. Data was analyzed through thematic process. The results demonstrated social and psychological impacts in the form of insecurity, overcrowd family environment, family disintegration and emotional distress. Two respondents exhibited social connections marked by healthy sibling relationships. The study highlighted parental absence, and adverse life experiences toward father inheritance, rivalry, jealousy and psychological suffering. This study recommended that social interventions should focus on family dynamics and promote psychological-wellbeing to overcome the unfavorable impacts of polygyny on upbringing children and highlighting the necessity for further research. Additionally, the researcher urged, the Pashtun community to review its collective perspectives inorder to reform polygynous practices in alignment with Islamic values.