Schreibhemmung
I "believe" in both monogamy and polygamy.
Monogamy is biological. When an animal is courting a potential mate, its brain releases a hormone called oxytocin, which triggers actions associated with reproduction - including emotional bonding (“Oxytocin…”). Monogamy often correlates with animals whose offspring require a lot of time and effort: humans, birds, etc. (“Monogamy is an Oddity”). The likelihood of survival increases when both parents invest in each other's and their offspring's health. Without oxytocin, monogamy vanishes. Scientists can sway an animal toward monogamy or polygamy by inserting or removing the hormone/receptor gene.
Polygamy is trickier. I think it has to meet certain conditions to be successful. I personally could not be polygamous because seeing my lover involved with someone else would hurt too much. But if two lovers are comfortable with, want, and can agree on a polygamous relationship, it could work.
I think polygamy has the potential to benefit an entire family. Boston Legal, one of my favorite shows, dealt with this issue in one episode and made interesting points. Polygamy provides additional support for the members involved by allocating chores, reducing stress, freeing up time, and providing constant care for children.
If one or more individuals can provide for the family with a job, the remaining individual(s) can handle several duties like grocery shopping, fixing dinner, cleaning, etc. Lightening the load would reduce stress and free up time so everyone could get enough rest, meet their lover's needs, and pursue a career. Less stress and better sleep benefit health and happiness.
Polygamy could offer better benefits for children who could always rely on someone to pick them up at school, help them with homework, fix them dinner, and tuck them in at night. Their parents would have less incentive to abuse alcohol or drugs because they would suffer less stress, get more sleep, and have more time to pursue their career and bond with their family.
I don't think polygamy is possible for everyone, and I feel the same about monogamy too. But both have benefits that make them valid, at least to me.
“Monogamy Is an Oddity”. Softpedia. 2008. 12 October 2008. <http://news.softpedia.com/news/Monogamy-is-an-Oddity-42006.shtml>
“Oxytocin, chemical addiction, and the science of love.” Economist. 12 February 2004. 12 October 2008. <http://www.oxytocin.org/oxytoc/love-science.html>