What is sister wife?

"Sister wife" is a term used to describe a woman who is part of a polygamous marriage, specifically in a polygyny arrangement where a man has multiple wives. The term is often associated with certain religious groups that practice polygamy as part of their beliefs. In such arrangements, each wife is considered a "sister" to the other wives, creating a close-knit familial bond.

Polygamy, and specifically polygyny, has been practiced by many cultures and religions throughout history. In the contemporary United States, the practice is most commonly associated with certain fundamentalist groups that split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which officially renounced polygamy in 1890. Some of these breakaway groups and sects continue to practice polygamy as they believe it is a commandment from God and a path to spiritual elevation.

The concept of sister wives gained mainstream attention through the reality television show "Sister Wives," which premiered on TLC in 2010. The show follows the lives of the Brown family, where Kody Brown is married to four women: Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn. The series explores the dynamics and challenges of living in a polygamous family structure, including managing relationships, raising children, and societal perceptions of their lifestyle.

It's important to note that polygamy is illegal in all 50 states in the U.S., but some practitioners find ways to live their lifestyle within the bounds of the law, often through "spiritual" marriages rather than legal ones. The legal and social aspects of polygamous lifestyles continue to be a subject of debate and scrutiny.