What is the Difference Between Bigamy and Polygamy?

Bigamy and polygamy are two different types of marriage practices, both involving marriages to multiple spouses. The key differences between them are:

1. Definition: Bigamy refers to marrying someone else while simultaneously being married to a spouse who is still living. Polygamy refers to the practice of having more than one spouse, especially a wife, at once.
2. Awareness: In a bigamous marriage, the two or more spouses are typically unaware of one another. In a polygamous marriage, all spouses are aware of the marital relationships and are often involved in the decision to enter into such a union.
3. Intent: Bigamy often involves hiding the fact of being married to multiple people, whether intentional or unintentional. Polygamy, on the other hand, is a conscious choice to have multiple spouses and is often practiced for cultural or religious reasons.
4. Legal Status: Both bigamy and polygamy are considered crimes in many jurisdictions, including the United States, where polygamy is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. However, bigamy is specifically defined as having multiple spouses without their knowledge, while polygamy is defined as having more than one spouse at a time with their knowledge.

In summary, the main differences between bigamy and polygamy lie in the awareness of the spouses involved, the intent behind the marriages, and their legal status in various jurisdictions.

Comparative Table: Bigamy vs Polygamy

Here is a table outlining the differences between bigamy and polygamy: