I am not affected in any measurable way by racial discrimination, but that does not mean I do not consider it a social evil, since the protection of minorities and the vindication of our underlying values as a society matters.
Of course women can be treated like chattel in monogamous marriages, but it is not inherent in the structure of the relationship. Polygamy might ameliorate such concerns, but only by special effort, it is inherently a problem. In Saudi Arabia, for example, most Western educated Saudis are monogamous, preferring companionate marriages between similarly educated partners.
Is it any of the state's business? Insofar as it is deemed an unhealthy family situation, and there are children involved, it is automatically in the state's interest, as an advocate for the minors. But even if no children were involved, there are instances when the state refuses to license a behavior that it considers reckless, for example, not allowing the sale of narcotics for recreational purposes, considering the chances of becoming addicted. I am not even suggesting the criminalization of polygamy, just the refusal to give it legal sanction, thus discouraging the practice, rather than implying approval. |
