What is concubinage?
Q: What is concubinage?
A: Concubinage is a type of relationship in which a woman is involved with a man who has a higher social status than her own, but she has less rights than in a marriage.
Q: What is the difference between a concubine and a mistress?
A: Concubines have limited rights of support from the man and their children have lower status than children born by the official wife or wives. These legal rights distinguish a concubine from a mistress.
Q: What was the reason why the family of a girl was in favour of a concubinage with a mighty man?
A: Historically, the family of a girl were in favour of a concubinage with a mighty man, as it meant economic security for the woman.
Q: What is the disadvantage of being a concubine?
A: The disadvantage of being a concubine is that it could also mean sexual slavery of one member of the relationship, typically the woman, who was a pleasure slave to the man.
Q: Is concubinage legal in the Western world?
A: No, concubinage is not legal in the Western world, as only monogamous marriages are allowed. Any other relationship does not enjoy legal protection, and the woman is necessarily a mistress.
Q: Who has an official wife and one or more concubines in most cases?
A: In most cases, men have an official wife and one or more concubines.
Q: Why do concubines have less rights than wives?
A: Concubines have less rights than wives because they are not legally recognized as wives and do not enjoy the same legal protections or social status.
