Polygamous Family Structure: How Communication Affects the Division of Household Labor

Using structuration theory, this study explores the division of labor in polygamous families, specifically how families establish and maintain roles, and how family structure adjusts to changing group memberships. Constant comparative analysis revealed that plural families construct organizational structure to coordinate family roles by establishing a managerial hierarchy, "building children," negotiating formal roles, assuming informal roles based on individual talents, and compromising for the common good. In response to changing group membership, group communication processes recreate plural family structures in response to change through three readjustment strategies: relinquishing authority, reassigning roles, and integrating members constructively.