The Absurdity of Polygamy: A Look at the Claims of a Dutch Professor

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The discussion centers around a controversial statement made by a Tilburg professor, A. Vingerhoets, who suggested that polygamy could alleviate financial burdens on the government, particularly concerning subsidized childcare. He argued that love is an outdated concept and proposed that sharing domestic responsibilities among multiple partners could benefit modern women juggling careers and family. The conversation quickly shifted to the practicality and implications of polygamy and polyandry, with participants debating the potential for hierarchical dynamics and the complications of child-rearing and property rights in such arrangements. Many expressed skepticism about the feasibility of polygamous relationships, citing trust issues and the emotional complexities involved. Alternative solutions, such as workplace daycare systems where parents share childcare responsibilities, were also discussed as a more practical approach to addressing the challenges of balancing work and family life. Overall, the thread highlights a mix of humor, skepticism, and serious consideration of the implications of non-traditional family structures.
  • #51
Even despite loving children equally and making every effort to show them this equally as well, sibling rivalries still develop, and children don't perceive that they are receiving that love equally. So, even if someone could love all their spouses equally, there's still only so much time in a day, which could lead to not having time to spend quality time with each spouse and could further lead to jealousies.
 
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  • #52
In the most general sense I absolutely support the right to choose polygamy over other alternatives. Morally I don't agree with it. But even more objectionable to me is that anyone thinks it is the government's business to regulate these sorts of personal choices. In fact, the more I think about this the more I am inclined to think that people will one day view such laws as laughable and arcane. I already do.

Aside from religious doctrine why is this illegal? The same with gay marriage. There is no social or legal justification for such laws other than mob rule.
 
  • #53
Hi all,

I am first time poster. Th thing is, this Ad Vingerhoets is the director of my thesis. Not about this topic, a totally different one. Indeed he caused quite a stirr in my country but I have to say this:

he was wrongly quoted. As simple as that.

I work in Barcelona and I hadn´t received an email from him in some days. I just mailed him asking if he is okay (unaware of the discussion in the Netherlands) and he answered me some "imbecil" journalist can´t read, and that´s why he put an absurd claim in my mouth that I never said or would say. And now for days everybody is chasing me, what a situation!

Anyway, believe me you can´t get closer to him than through me since we work very closely together. Sorry to take the fun out of the discussion but he is wrongly qouted, that´s all!

Greetings,

NFSH
 
  • #54
I'm glad you clear that up!

I know media can run away with information and twist the story, did the professor not ask for a correcting statement by the paper?

I never trust scientific research that is quoted in a newspaper, they never get the facts right or overstate the weight of the research.
 
  • #55
Monique said:
I'm glad you clear that up!

I know media can run away with information and twist the story, did the professor not ask for a correcting statement by the paper?

I never trust scientific research that is quoted in a newspaper, they never get the facts right or overstate the weight of the research.

I don´t know. I was being interviewed by the same journalist (from the university paper) and he also made some big mistakes. I felt very bad as he claimed I iniated the research while I didn´t and just was offered the change to participate in it but the damage was done. In that case he, Vingerhoets, said "nevermind, I think I never read an popular media article about my work that was 100% correct.

I am not sure if he asked for a rectification, but he doesn´t have to since the whole dutch media is chasing him and he has plenty of opportunities to give his correct opinion (and trying to sell his book, haha!)

By the way, what is this forum about? I stumbled upon it when Vingerhoets told me he was in trouble and did a Google search to see who was saying what about it.

I am a member of Airdisaster.com, they use the same forum software making it easy to post here!

Best regards!
 
  • #56
Monique said:
I'm glad you clear that up!

I know media can run away with information and twist the story, did the professor not ask for a correcting statement by the paper?

I never trust scientific research that is quoted in a newspaper, they never get the facts right or overstate the weight of the research.

That's true, the way media twists stories. If I'm really curious, I look up the original paper to find out what they really said. Reporters don't understand science and really can mangle what's written. And, worst, even if the reporter is careful and fact-checks and confirms with the scientists for accuracy, their editor might still decide to change things that change the meaning and the reporter doesn't know until it comes out in print. (Is it any wonder we have two threads going in politics on bias in the media?)
 
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  • #57
nfsh said:
By the way, what is this forum about? I stumbled upon it when Vingerhoets told me he was in trouble and did a Google search to see who was saying what about it.

Welcome! This is a forum for science and science education, with a primary emphasis on physics, but we have the other sciences represented. It's mostly aimed toward students (a place to get homework help or have ideas clarified, without someone just doing the work for you), but there are quite a few professional scientists here as well. There's a social sciences and biology section here. If you're doing psychology research, you may want to join in whichever of those is more relevant to your research area. Right now, you're in our General Discussion area, which is where we put the stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else (and is often more for entertainment than serious discussion).
 
  • #58
Moonbear said:
Welcome! This is a forum for science and science education

Aha, then now I understand you wrote:

Moonbear said:
If I'm really curious, I look up the original paper to find out what they really said.

I thought "woh, this person knows his way around in academic affairs!"
:smile:

Well, let me introduce myself then:

I am 29, associate lecturer at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and currently doing my PhD-thesis on the psychosomatic sequelae of secrecy. I lecture Psychology, mainly Personality Psychology although my research interests are more in the field of Health Psychology and Medical Psychology.

I´ll scroll through the forums as soon as I have some time. Although physics are not particularly my cup of tea, I always like a good discussion about academic affairs, you always learn something new!
 
  • #59
Evo said:
Multiple husbands make much more sense! :-p
No way! I'm glad to say that the days of 'sloppy seconds' are well behind me.

Moonbear said:
Gale and franz, sittin' in a tree... :biggrin:
I only tried it in a tree once, and believe me, I don't recommend it!

Evo said:
There already are a number of companes that offer on premises day care for their worker's children.
'Day Care' is what Ziplock bags and freezers were invented for.

Moonbear said:
(and is often more for entertainment than serious discussion).
And depravement! Let's not forget depravement! That's why I'm here. :biggrin:

nfsh said:
this person knows his way around in academic affairs!"
:smile:
Hey Moonbaby! He called you a his! Maybe you should direct him to the photo thread... :biggrin:
 
  • #60
Danger said:
Hey Moonbaby! He called you a his! Maybe you should direct him to the photo thread... :biggrin:

Am on my way... :smile:
 
  • #61
nfsh said:
Am on my way... :smile:

LOL! I hope you have a LOT of time. I'd start from the end and work backward in that thread. Once you get to (:rolleyes: *looks around, is Smurf watching?*) tribdog's reply where he has links to all the other photos in alphabetical order, there's no need to dig through all the older photos because he gathered them all in one post.
 
  • #62
Okidoki,

gotcha!

That´s what happens when you´re new to a community. :blushing:

Woh, you guys are quite active posters! I wish there was such a community about Psychology!
 
  • #63
nfsh said:
Okidoki,

gotcha!

That´s what happens when you´re new to a community. :blushing:

Woh, you guys are quite active posters! I wish there was such a community about Psychology!

Unfortunately, our social sciences area (we don't have many people in that area, so all the social sciences are generally lumped together) has been horribly over-taken by threads about IQ, but threads on other areas of psychology would be VERY welcome if you'd like to get involved there (Pleeeeeeeease!). Though, if you're dealing with psychosomatic "illnesses" you might want to visit our biology area as well (my research overlaps with behavioral neuroscience, so I interact with both biologists and psychologists). If it feels a little too lonely there, invite some friends to join. The more the merrier! :smile:
 
  • #64
nfsh said:
PhD-thesis on the psychosomatic sequelae of secrecy
You study what? :eek: You sure sound like a scientist :wink:
There is a really broad audience here so enjoy :biggrin:
 
  • #65
Monique said:
You study what? :eek: You sure sound like a scientist :wink:
There is a really broad audience here so enjoy :biggrin:

:smile: I'm going to take a guess at what it meant...keeping secrets is stressful, and s/he's studying the consequences to our health of keeping secrets.
 
  • #66
Moonbear said:
if you're dealing with psychosomatic "illnesses" you might want to visit our biology area
If, on the other hand, you would care to branch out into abnormal psychology, just stay right here and you'll run into more than you can process in a lifetime. :biggrin:
 
  • #67
Monique said:
You study what? :eek: You sure sound like a scientist :wink:

Just fancy words to say that I am interested in the question if having secrets might have effects on your body. That´s all! :smile:
 
  • #68
nfsh said:
Just fancy words to say that I am interested in the question if having secrets might have effects on your body. That´s all! :smile:

See, now this is something we can get into in the social sciences area. Are there good and bad secrets (I'm thinking something like the fun inside joke a married couple might share and gives them a reason to laugh together at something nobody else finds funny vs a secret you can't tell anyone because it would get you or someone else in trouble if anyone found out)?

And if you're studying secrets, how do you know people have them? If they tell you, it's not a secret anymore, is it? :-p
 
  • #69
Moonbear said:
If they tell you, it's not a secret anymore, is it? :-p
So how many people can know about it before it's no longer considered a secret? 1... 2... the Pentagon...?
 

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