Honour

What is the difference between a man in a polygamous relationship who has three wives from whom he has six children and the serial monogamist who has three ex-wives with whom he also has six children?

What I have observed is that the serial monogamist often has an easier ride as far as obligations go. At most, he will provide what he can for the children he has with his ex-wives. He has no responsibility towards the ex-wives. I grew up in a society where polygamy was the norm and what I KNOW is that a man who has three wives will PROVIDE for three wives, he will support them in whatever business they seek to pursue. He is responsible for them because they did him the honour of bearing his children.

This is not to say that all men live up (or lived up) to their responsibility. But, the custom was there and everybody knew it and if there was a man who would not live up to his responsibilities, not only he but also his family could expect to pay a high price with regards their status in the wider society. So, whenever you had a man who would not (or could not) live up to his responsibilities, you would also more than likely see members of his family stepping up to do what he could (or would) not do.