| These family compounds accommodate the large extended families and polygamous marriages that are common among the Maninka ethnic group. |
| In polygamous marriages, wives cooperate in performing household duties, although each rears her own children. |
| Women often are widowed and as there are more women than men of marriageable age, there is a relatively high number of polygamous households. |
| Few could afford polygamous marriages, although polygamy varies both between rural areas and urban centers, and between ethnic groups. |
| Educators at public schools near polygamous communities walk a fine line to encourage children from plural marriages to attend school. |
| In polygamous marriages, each wife has her own apartment in a large family house. |
