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Polygynous Neighbors, Excess Men, and Intergroup Conflict in Rural Africa

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  • Carlo Koos
  • Clara Neupert-Wentz

Abstract

We argue that polygyny creates a social imbalance where few, economically well-off men marry many wives and many poor men marry late or never. By definition, polygyny produces what we refer to as “excess men.†In order to gain material wealth, excess men are likely to raid, plunder, and rob neighboring ethnic groups. We test this hypothesis with georeferenced data on polygyny and intergroup conflict in rural Africa and find strong support. Drawing on Afrobarometer survey data, we explore the underlying mechanisms and find that young men who belong to polygynous groups feel that they are treated more unequally and are readier to use violence in comparison to those belonging to monogamous groups. Our article makes an important contribution to the peace, conflict, and development literature by emphasizing a fundamental aspect of human life: marriage and family.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlo Koos & Clara Neupert-Wentz, 2020. "Polygynous Neighbors, Excess Men, and Intergroup Conflict in Rural Africa," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(2-3), pages 402-431, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:64:y:2020:i:2-3:p:402-431
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002719859636
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James Fenske, 2013. "Does Land Abundance Explain African Institutions?," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 123(12), pages 1363-1390, December.
    2. John T. Dalton & Tin Cheuk Leung, 2014. "Why Is Polygyny More Prevalent in Western Africa? An African Slave Trade Perspective," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 62(4), pages 599-632.
    3. Yuhki Tajima, 2013. "The Institutional Basis of Intercommunal Order: Evidence from Indonesia's Democratic Transition," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 57(1), pages 104-119, January.
    4. Nils B. Weidmann, 2016. "A Closer Look at Reporting Bias in Conflict Event Data," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 60(1), pages 206-218, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tapsoba, Augustin, 2021. "Polygyny and the Economic Determinants of Family Formation Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa," TSE Working Papers 21-1240, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).

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