Abstract
This paper investigates the challenges affecting traditional Islamic polygynous tribal families in the Dhofar region of the Sultanate of Oman, as they are faced with the influx of: globalized mass media, super-imposed Western educational frameworks, and economy driven influx of external values and relationships, while attempting to assess the role of polygyny in their contemporary societal foundations. The authors’ previous research; field work that encompassed both an extensive quantitative and qualitative survey conducted over a 5 year period from 2000-2003 and 2005-2007, indicates that all the parties involved in the practice of polygyny: wives, children, husbands, extended family and tribal members perceive little overt change in the practice of polygyny in this part of the Arabian Gulf. This social commentary is based on the study referenced above but focuses specifically on the stated variables and the researchers’ conclusions regarding their hypothesis of relative homeostasis in the local marital arena.