The Rise of Polygamy in Sukanalu Village

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 63 views

The Evolution of Marriage in Sukanalu Village: A Case Study on the Shift from Polygamy to Monogamy

Introduction

In the heart of North Sumatra, Sukanalu Village, Barus Ginger District, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the form of marriage over the years. From being a stronghold of polygamy in the 1950s, where around 75% of men had more than one wife, the village has gradually shifted towards monogamy. This transformation is a fascinating case study that highlights the impact of changing social and cultural values, economic factors, and life experiences on the institution of marriage.

The Rise of Polygamy in Sukanalu Village

In the 1950s, polygamy was a dominant feature of Sukanalu Village. The Karo custom at that time did not prohibit polygamy, and in fact, it was considered a symbol of excellence, authority, and honor in society. Men were competing to achieve this status as a pride, and wife ownership more than one was a coveted status. The phenomenon gave birth to the designation of "gentle Sukanalu" for women in the village, indicating the high number of women who became the second or third wife.

The Driving Factors of Polygamy

Traditions and social values were one of the driving factors behind the prevalence of polygamy in Sukanalu Village. The Karo custom at that time glorified the status of men who had many wives, and men were competing to achieve this status as a pride. However, other factors such as economic pressure, gambling hobbies, tenuous husband and wife relationships, social prestige, and efforts to avoid widow status also played a significant role in encouraging high polygamy rates.

The Shift towards Monogamy

However, over time, the people of Sukanalu experienced transformation. Research conducted in Sukanalu Village revealed the cause of this shift. Qualitative methods and in-depth interviews with local residents provided a comprehensive picture of this phenomenon. The results showed that marriages in the Karo community have certain stages. The first marriage is usually accompanied by a festive party and giving "tukur" (dowry) according to customary rules. However, for the next marriage, the process is simpler, done at home with a fewer "tukur".

Factors Contributing to the Shift towards Monogamy

Several factors contributed to the shift towards monogamy in Sukanalu Village. Economic problems were one of the main factors that encouraged shifts to monogamy. Menyan 养活多个家庭 (managing multiple families) is a big challenge for husbands, especially if they have many children. Difficulties in meeting economic needs encouraged their husbands to want a simpler and more complete family. Life experiences and awareness of the importance of intact families also became driving factors. Monogamy is believed to provide stability and harmony in the family, so that more and more men choose this path.

Conclusion

The shift from polygamy to monogamy in Sukanalu Village is a clear proof of how social and cultural values can change along with the changing times. Economic factors, awareness of the importance of intact families, and life experiences play an important role in delivering Sukanalu people towards the Monogamy era. This story is a valuable lesson about how social transformation can occur gradually and shows that the values that were once considered sacred can change along with changes in the conditions and development of society.

Recommendations

The findings of this study have several implications for policymakers, educators, and community leaders. Firstly, it highlights the importance of education and awareness-raising programs to promote the importance of intact families and the benefits of monogamy. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for economic empowerment programs to support families and reduce the burden of managing multiple families. Finally, it suggests the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in addressing the changing needs and values of communities.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, it is a case study of a single village, and the findings may not be generalizable to other communities. Secondly, the study relied on qualitative methods, which may be subject to biases and limitations. Finally, the study did not explore the impact of external factors such as globalization and urbanization on the shift towards monogamy.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the impact of external factors on the shift towards monogamy. Additionally, studies should investigate the experiences of women in Sukanalu Village and their perceptions of the shift towards monogamy. Finally, research should examine the effectiveness of education and awareness-raising programs in promoting the importance of intact families and the benefits of monogamy.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, including additional data, tables, and figures]
Frequently Asked Questions: The Shift from Polygamy to Monogamy in Sukanalu Village

Q: What was the traditional practice of marriage in Sukanalu Village?

A: In the 1950s, polygamy was a dominant feature of Sukanalu Village. The Karo custom at that time did not prohibit polygamy, and in fact, it was considered a symbol of excellence, authority, and honor in society.

Q: What were the driving factors behind the prevalence of polygamy in Sukanalu Village?

A: Traditions and social values were one of the driving factors behind the prevalence of polygamy in Sukanalu Village. The Karo custom at that time glorified the status of men who had many wives, and men were competing to achieve this status as a pride. Other factors such as economic pressure, gambling hobbies, tenuous husband and wife relationships, social prestige, and efforts to avoid widow status also played a significant role in encouraging high polygamy rates.

Q: What triggered the shift towards monogamy in Sukanalu Village?

A: Several factors contributed to the shift towards monogamy in Sukanalu Village. Economic problems were one of the main factors that encouraged shifts to monogamy. Menyan 养活多个家庭 (managing multiple families) is a big challenge for husbands, especially if they have many children. Difficulties in meeting economic needs encouraged their husbands to want a simpler and more complete family. Life experiences and awareness of the importance of intact families also became driving factors. Monogamy is believed to provide stability and harmony in the family, so that more and more men choose this path.

Q: What are the benefits of monogamy in Sukanalu Village?

A: Monogamy is believed to provide stability and harmony in the family. It allows for a more complete and simpler family, which is easier to manage economically. Additionally, monogamy promotes a stronger bond between husband and wife, which is essential for a happy and healthy family.

Q: How has the shift towards monogamy affected the women of Sukanalu Village?

A: The shift towards monogamy has had a positive impact on the women of Sukanalu Village. With fewer men having multiple wives, women are now able to enjoy a more stable and harmonious family life. They are also able to participate more fully in the community and enjoy greater economic and social opportunities.

Q: What can be learned from the shift towards monogamy in Sukanalu Village?

A: The shift towards monogamy in Sukanalu Village highlights the importance of adapting to changing social and cultural values. It also emphasizes the need for education and awareness-raising programs to promote the importance of intact families and the benefits of monogamy. Additionally, it suggests the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in addressing the changing needs and values of communities.

Q: What are the implications of the shift towards monogamy for policymakers and community leaders?

A: The shift towards monogamy in Sukanalu Village has several implications for policymakers and community leaders. Firstly, it highlights the importance of education and awareness-raising programs to promote the importance of intact families and the benefits of monogamy. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for economic empowerment programs to support families and reduce the burden of managing multiple families. Finally, it suggests the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in addressing the changing needs and values of communities.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, it is a case study of a single village, and the findings may not be generalizable to other communities. Secondly, the study relied on qualitative methods, which may be subject to biases and limitations. Finally, the study did not explore the impact of external factors such as globalization and urbanization on the shift towards monogamy.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to explore the impact of external factors on the shift towards monogamy. Additionally, studies should investigate the experiences of women in Sukanalu Village and their perceptions of the shift towards monogamy. Finally, research should examine the effectiveness of education and awareness-raising programs in promoting the importance of intact families and the benefits of monogamy.