Polygyny among the Logoli of Western Kenya.

Fieldwork upon which this paper is based was undertaken among the Logoli of western Kenya. It presents Logoli women's experiences and perspectives regarding change and continuity in polygyny. It is informed by the theoretical argument that the distributional effects of social norms and values pertaining to polygyny may benefit specific groups. It is theoretically predicted that considerations of anticipated benefits influence individuals' acceptance or rejection of polygyny. This prediction is supported by the results presented in this paper. Polygyny is affected by women's significant resource control (which enhances their empowerment and bargaining power), decrease in high potential agricultural land, and individuals' wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]