Final answer:
A case study similar to 'too many wives' is the practice of polygyny among Negev Bedouin men in Israel, where having multiple wives makes economic and social sense within their cultural context. This behavior aligns with societal rules of marriage and is linked to the economic contributions that a larger number of children can provide, especially in farming cultures. Urbanization and changes in access to education and media are influencing the frequency of this practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
A case study similar to 'too many wives' can be seen in cultures where polygyny is practiced, such as among the Negev Bedouin men in Israel. These individuals typically have two wives but can have up to four. This behavior makes sense to the people who practice it because having multiple wives often relates to economic benefits and social status. Wealthy and high-status men are more likely to partake in polygyny, and having numerous children through multiple wives contributes to labor on the farms, which is crucial for small-scale farming cultures. Moreover, as societies become more urbanized and have greater access to mass media, technology, and education, there is a tendency for the practice of polygyny to decrease.
Societies have marriage rules, such as endogamy and exogamy, which guide individuals on whom to marry. These rules serve to create stable socioeconomic households with shared labor and resources, helping the family unit subsist more adequately. The practice of polygyny, while less common in a global context, adheres to the specific cultural and socioeconomic context in which it is found, thus making it a rational choice for its participants.