Abstract
<p>How does English law respond to polygamous marriages? How have these responses been formulated? And what are their effects on the women and communities that practise polygamy? This book tackles these questions by undertaking the first critical postcolonial feminist analysis of legal and judicial responses to polygamy in English marriage law. Tracing the presence of polygamy in the UK from ancient times to the present day, the book considers the religious and colonial legacies underpinning the law. It is argued that the legal framework around polygamy is rife with racist, sexist, imperialist and orientalist tropes that are geared towards one goal: preserving monogamy in England. Drawing from the first interview-based study with women in the UK on their experiences and attitudes around polygamy, it is shown that the objectionable tropes present in law are also visible in wider social and cultural views of polygamy. These restrictive views fail to reflect the wide spectrum of women’s lived experiences and opinions in this area. The book initiates a critical conversation on our understandings and definition of marriage in the law and beyond to emphasise the need for a nuanced approach that provides the space for people to celebrate and practise marriage in ways that work for them and their families.</p>