Shocking Polygamy Truths ‘Sister Wives’ On TLC Has Taught Us

As fans know, Sister Wives is a reality series centered on the Brown family that premiered on September 26, 2010. It’s hard to believe but it’s been ten years of this polygamist family. Kody and his wives share the ups and downs of plural marriage. Most of it has focused on the downsides rather than the positives.

TLC used to be The Learning Channel, which had a lot of content focused on health and medicine. While it still has programs like to this day, some would argue the network is exploitative. The network approached the Brown family in an effort to prove that their unconventional lifestyle isn’t weird. Unfortunately, Kody’s marriages are falling apart at the seams as fans learn more about their struggles.

What is Polygamy?

These days, polyamory is the name that’s on everyone’s minds due to the ever-changing dating landscape. However, this term shouldn’t be mistaken for polygamy. Polygamy is another name for plural marriage, in which a man can have more than one wife. When a person says they’re polyamorous, it means they have multiple partners within the context of their relationship.

Polyamory is different for each individual. Both men and women have practiced this form of dating. It’s different from swinging and other forms of relationships — most of which involve coitus outside of marriage. Polyamorous people normally don’t practice a certain faith and are normally pansexual.

Polygamy and plural marriages take place in different religions but are common in fundamentalist Mormonism. The Brown family from the Sister Wives are part of the Apostolic United Brethren religion, which is an aspect of the Mormonism fundamentalist group, according to In Touch Weekly.

In most religions, a man can have up to four wives. When it comes to Mormonism, there is no limit to how many wives a man can have. Polygamy is not legal in all 50 states, but it’s not illegal either. A man can only legally marry one of his wives and have “spiritual unions” with the rest.

Sister Wives truths about the Brown family

Fans also wanted to know about this relationship dynamic. One of the most common questions is whether the sister wives sleep together. Most polygamists receive this question on a daily basis. Unlike in polyamorous relationships, where orgies can occur, the wives do not sleep with one another. Rather, they have individualized intimate time with their wife. Some fans think that Kody only sleeps with Robyn these days.

Fans also wonder if any of the sister wives get jealous of one another. Jealousy is a trait that’s normal and common, regardless of the relationship. Most women who take part in pluralism try to downplay jealousy. Of course, viewers can pick up on the signs and signals of jealousy on the show.

What are your thoughts on polygamy? Did you also think it was similar to polyamory? Would you want a plural marriage? Sound off below in the comments section.

Sister Wives airs Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET on TLC.