"Deal justly with them ...": (in)justice in polygyny--the male perspective

The authors explored the concept of justice toward wives as perceived by polygynously married Bedouin-Arab husbands of three generations living in Southern Oman perceive it in relation to the following key variables: (a) overall evaluation of just treatment, (b) time, (c) finances and socioeconomic status, (d) emotional attachment, and (e) sexual contact. Findings indicate that the evaluation of just treatment is not significantly related to the variables of age, number of wives and children, living arrangements, educational attainment, emotional attachment, or monthly income. However, findings also suggest significant changes in husbands' sexual contact with wives because of remarriage. Moreover, the effect of remarriage on the socioeconomic status of families appears to have a significant effect on husbands' application of the concept of justice.