We Want for Our Sisters What We Want for Ourselves: Polygyny: A Relationship, Marriage and Family Alternative

by Patricia Dixon

We Want for Our Sisters What We Want for Ourselves , debunks myths about monogamy and polygyny and challenges us to rethink our approach to relationships and family. This book reveals that before European domination, polygyny was an accepted marriage and family practice in over eighty percent of the world's cultures. Even in Western societies, polygyny has always been practiced. However, because it is done so under a myth of monogamy, this creates a "peculiar" form of the practice that is demoralizing to women. This peculiar form of polygyny was practiced in early European history in Greece and Rome. It was also practiced during slavery in the U.S. to the detriment of African American women and families. Even in contemporary America, because closed polygyny is practiced in various forms, under the guise of monogamy, it continues to disempower African American women and undermine their relationships and families.

Dr. Patricia Dixon proposes that open and consensual polygyny or copartnering is more beneficial for African American women, men, families and communities and describes how those who practice it in this manner are making it work. Finally, she calls for African America women to move toward co-partnering by building relationships on love, truth, community, and ultimately a womanist ethic of care for sisters.

412 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Devante Tierell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much focus on Polgamy through a religious context, not exactly what I hoped for in beginning the book. But still picked up good tidbits

[Muna · Rating 3 out of 5]

i don't care for polygyny just don't do that shit around me

[Kenja McCray]

An interesting and informative peek into one side of the debate about polygyny.

[Boukman Bastia · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 out of 10

This is my second time reading this on my Kindle.
20:12 Friday The 31st of March 2023 Enat Ethopain Resturant, Charlotte North Carolina, waiting for Zion.

It was a profound read. It's investing going back to the seed of the fruits of all the polygynous thoughts and views I have now.It was shorter than I remember, but it was still a great read!