Final answer:
Preferences for polygamy differ and depend on cultural and economic contexts. Fewer than 10-35% of men in polygamous societies have multiple wives, and urbanization and economic changes are leading to a decline in polygamy. Nearly 28% of men and women in the U.S. cohabitate before marriage, with many transitioning to marriage within three years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question explores the dynamics of polygamous relationships and societal trends in marital practices. When considering do women prefer to have a co-wife, it's important to note that preferences can be deeply personal and vary widely among individuals. However cultural norms and economic factors play significant roles in such marital arrangements. In polygamous cultures while a large portion of society may accept polygyny it is practiced by a minority of men, typically those who are older and of higher socioeconomic status.
Studies suggest that fewer than 10 percent (and no more than 25-35 percent) of men have more than one wife, and those who do often do not exceed three wives. As societies become more urbanized, with increased access to mass media technology and education the incidence of polygamy tends to decrease. This decline may also be influenced by shifting economic roles, as seen in the rise of cohabitating couples and dual high-earner households. Recent statistics indicate that nearly half of heterosexual women in the United States cohabit with a partner before marriage.The transition from cohabitation to marriage is another aspect of modern relationships with about 28 percent of men and women cohabitating before their first marriage, and the majority of these relationships eventually transitioning into marriage within three years. The discussion of polygamy must be contextualized within broader societal shifts, including changing gender roles and economic constructs within marriage.