Meri Sister Wives: A Comprehensive Guide to Polygamy in Modern America

Introduction

Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, has long been a controversial and widely debated topic throughout history. In the United States, polygamy was officially banned in the 19th century, but it continues to be practiced by certain religious groups, including the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). One of the most well-known examples of modern polygamy is the Sister Wives reality television series, which has been airing on TLC since 2010.

The Sister Wives series follows the lives of Kody Brown and his four wives: Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn. The show has provided an unprecedented glimpse into the challenges and complexities of living in a plural marriage. As the series has progressed, viewers have witnessed the ups and downs of the Brown family's relationships, including divorces, remarriages, and the addition of new children.

The History of Polygamy in the United States

Polygamy was first introduced to the United States in the early 19th century by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The practice was central to the LDS Church's beliefs at the time, and it was believed to be a way to increase the number of faithful members and to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. However, polygamy was met with widespread opposition from the American public, and it was eventually banned by the federal government in 1890. The LDS Church officially renounced polygamy in 1904, although some splinter groups, such as the FLDS Church, continue to practice it.

Polygamy in the Modern Era

Today, polygamy is a rare practice in the United States. According to a 2017 Pew Research Center study, only about 3% of American adults believe that polygamy should be legal. However, polygamy continues to be practiced by some religious groups, and it is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 polygamists living in the United States.

Polygamists face a number of challenges in modern society. They are often subject to discrimination and prejudice, and they may have difficulty finding employment and housing. Polygamist children may also face social and educational challenges.

The "Sister Wives" Phenomenon

The Sister Wives reality television series has brought polygamy into the public eye in a way that has never been seen before. The show has sparked a national conversation about polygamy, and it has helped to dispel some of the myths and stereotypes surrounding this controversial practice.

The Sister Wives series has also humanized polygamy. By following the lives of the Brown family, viewers have been able to see that polygamists are not so different from other families. They have the same hopes and dreams, and they face the same challenges. The show has also shown that polygamy can be a happy and fulfilling lifestyle for some people.

The Challenges of Polygamy

Polygamy is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the jealousy and competition that can arise between wives. In addition, polygamists may face financial difficulties, as they must support multiple families. Polygamist children may also face social and educational challenges, as they may be stigmatized by their peers and teachers.

The Benefits of Polygamy

Despite the challenges, polygamy can also offer some benefits. For example, polygamy can provide women with more economic security and stability. In addition, polygamy can help to strengthen family bonds, as wives and children have multiple sources of support.

The Future of Polygamy

The future of polygamy in the United States is uncertain. While the practice is currently illegal in most states, there is a growing movement to legalize polygamy. In 2020, Utah became the first state to decriminalize polygamy, and there are several other states that are considering similar legislation.

It is too early to say whether polygamy will become more accepted in the United States in the coming years. However, the Sister Wives reality television series has certainly helped to raise awareness of polygamy and to challenge some of the negative stereotypes surrounding this practice.

Stories of Polygamists

There are many different stories of polygamists living in the United States today. Here are three examples:

• The Brown Family: The Brown family is the focus of the Sister Wives reality television series. The family consists of Kody Brown and his four wives: Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn. The Browns have 18 children and live in a large house in Flagstaff, Arizona.
• The Kingston Family: The Kingston family lives in Bountiful, British Columbia, Canada. The family consists of John Kingston and his five wives: Brenda, Carolyn, Deborah, Ruth, and Sheri. The Kingstons have 24 children and live in a large compound.
• The LeBaron Family: The LeBaron family is a polygamist group that has been living in the United States and Mexico for over 100 years. The family is led by Ervil LeBaron, who has over 100 wives and children. The LeBarons have been involved in a number of violent incidents, including the murder of several family members.

What We Can Learn from Polygamists

There are a number of things that we can learn from polygamists. First, we can learn that polygamy is a complex and diverse practice. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to polygamy, and each family must find a way to make it work for them.

Second, we can learn that polygamy is not always easy. Polygamists face a number of challenges, including discrimination, prejudice, and financial difficulties. However, polygamists also find joy and happiness in their families and communities.

Third, we can learn that polygamy is a valid choice for some people. Polygamists are not necessarily bad people, and they do not deserve to be discriminated against. We should respect the choices that people make about their own lives, even if we do not agree with those choices.

How to Approach Polygamy

If you are considering polygamy, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Do your research. Learn as much as you can about polygamy before making a decision. Talk to polygamists, read books and articles, and watch documentaries.
• Talk to your family and friends. Get their input and support before making a decision. Be prepared to answer their questions and address their concerns.
• Find a supportive community. Polygamy can be a difficult lifestyle, so it is important to have a support system in place. Find a community of polygamists who can provide you with guidance and support.

Why Polygamy Matters

Polygamy is a controversial topic, but it is an important one to discuss. Polygamy raises a number of important questions about family, marriage, and the role of women in society. By understanding polygamy, we can better understand the diversity of human relationships.

Benefits of Polygamy

There are a number of potential benefits to polygamy, including:

• Economic security. Polygamy can provide women with more economic security and stability. In a polygamous family, women have multiple sources of income, and they are less likely to be left alone to care for children.
• Stronger family bonds. Polygamy can help to strengthen family bonds. In a polygamous family, wives and children have multiple sources of support, and they are more likely to develop close relationships with each other.
• Increased happiness. Studies have shown that polygamists are generally happier than monogamists. Polygamists report higher levels of satisfaction with their relationships, their families, and their lives overall.

Pros and Cons of Polygamy

There are both pros and cons to polygamy. Here is a table summarizing the key points:

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about polygamy, there are a number of resources available. You can read books and articles, watch documentaries, and talk to polygamists. If you are considering polygamy, it is important to do your research and talk to your family and friends before making a decision. Polygamy is a complex and challenging lifestyle, but it can also be a happy and fulfilling one for some people.