Tibet is known for its polyandry, but economic development and reforms have led to a surprising increase in Panam valley.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Tibet is renowned for its diverse range of marriage customs, particularly the practice of polyandry, where multiple brothers share a single wife. However, with the advent of economic development and significant Chinese social and political reforms, including the introduction of new marriage laws that prohibit plural marriages, polyandry was anticipated to fade away from Tibetan communities. This book begins with the intriguing observation of a resurgence in polyandry in the Panam valley during the 1980s.

Tibet's Unique Marriage Practices

Tibet is known for its diverse range of marriage practices, particularly polyandry, where two or more brothers share one wife. With economic development and massive Chinese social and political reforms, including new marriage laws prohibiting plural marriages, polyandry was expected to disappear from Tibetan communities. This book takes as its starting point the surprising increase in polyandry in Panam valley from the 1980s.

Polyandry in the Panam Valley

The Panam valley, located in the eastern part of Tibet, is a remote and isolated region that has historically been home to a unique form of polyandry. In this valley, multiple brothers share a single wife, and the practice has been passed down through generations. However, with the introduction of new marriage laws in the 1980s, polyandry was expected to decline in the region. Surprisingly, the opposite occurred, and polyandry continued to thrive in the Panam valley.

The Reasons for the Resurgence of Polyandry in the Panam Valley

The reasons for the resurgence of polyandry in the Panam valley are complex and multifaceted. One of the primary factors contributing to this trend is the economic development that has taken place in the region. With the opening of new roads and the development of tourism, the Panam valley has become a popular destination for tourists, and this has led to an increase in economic opportunities for the local population. As a result, many families in the region have been able to afford to have multiple wives, which has led to the resurgence of polyandry.

The Challenges of Polyandry in the Panam Valley

Despite the resurgence of polyandry in the Panam valley, there are also several challenges associated with this practice. One of the primary challenges is the social stigma associated with polyandry. Many people in Tibet and other parts of the world view polyandry as a form of exploitation and abuse, and this can make it difficult for families to accept and practice polyandry. Additionally, polyandry can create complex family dynamics, as multiple wives may have different interests and priorities, which can lead to conflict within the family.

Conclusion

Tibet's diverse range of marriage practices, particularly polyandry, has been shaped by economic development and Chinese social and political reforms. While polyandry was expected to decline in the Panam valley due to new marriage laws, it has instead continued to thrive. The reasons for the resurgence of polyandry in the Panam valley are complex and multifaceted, and while there are challenges associated with this practice, it remains an important part of Tibetan culture and identity.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800736078