Indeed, some Afghani women welcome new wives to the family because it means less work for them (Tayler 7). Critics of polygamy in Afghanistan, however, emphasize that women in these multiple marriages are at far higher risk of experiencing domestic physical (including sexual) and emotional abuse, as well as a higher incidence of mental illness and shortened life spans (Rusin 4)
In a country where poverty is endemic and employment opportunities for women are virtually nonexistent, such polygamous arrangements would appear to represent a superior alternative to allowing unmarried Afghan women to languish with no viable hopes for the future. Indeed, some Afghani women welcome new wives to the family because it means less work for them (Tayler 7)