A comment on Scott's “Black Polygamous Family Formation”

Abstract

This brief article takes a critical look at Joseph W. Scott's article “Black Polygamous Family Formation.” While Scott's research is seen as helpful, several problems in his treatment of plural mating and marriage arrangements among Black Americans are discussed. Major conceptual problems are created by Scott's use (or misuse) of the concept “polygyny.” Significant methodological problems are also posed by his sampling approach, operationalization of concepts, and analytic strategies. Studies such as Scott's are of optimal value when their exploratory nature, and consequent limitation, are clearly acknowledged.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44661/1/10834_2005_Article_BF01082935.pd