Final answer:
Plural marriage is justified based on cultural, religious, and legal perspectives, and societal norms. Monogamy is the typical form of marriage in the United States, but the legalization of same-sex marriage expanded this definition. The justification for plural marriage varies in different societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of when plural marriage is justified is deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and legal perspectives. Historically and culturally, marriage patterns have included both monogamy—a union between two spouses—and polygamy—a union involving more than two spouses. In societies that practice polygamy, adding partners is often a sign of status and can be idealized. Instances of plural marriage, such as polygyny (one man with multiple wives) or polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands), are found across various cultures and have been practiced for various reasons including population growth, religious beliefs, and social status.In the United States, marriage is typically associated with monogamy. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996 limited the federal definition of marriage to a union between one man and one woman but was later found unconstitutional in 2013. The landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges in June 2015 legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, further expanding the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples. Therefore, the justification for plural marriage depends largely on the societal norms, legal frameworks, and religious doctrines of a particular society or community.