Dear Economist: Supply and demand, yes. But polygamy?

July 31, 2010 1:22 am

I live in a place where polygamy is allowed, but generally avoided. One of my friends has two wives. When asked why, he once quipped “more suppliers means more competition and better service for the customer”. Now I know, both intuitively and through observation, that people with two wives seldom lead “peaceful” lives. As an economist, how would you explain that?

Mohsin, Pakistan

The answer to this question can be read here. Please post comments below.

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