ABSTRACT
This conversation reveals clearly the new attitude toward polygamy and the present trend toward its decline among the upper classes throughout the East to-day. Enlightened public opinion, whether in Iraq or Iran, Egypt or India, is decidedly against polygamy. The social studies made by classes in the American Universities in Beirut and Cairo which have been mentioned in reference to the changing marriage age, show the comparatively small percentage of from ten to fifteen per cent of families that practise polygamy. This represents the parent, not the student generation,
which it is fair to assume would be less. These two univer sities draw students from a wide area, and may be regarded as giving a fair cross-section of the educated upper, or upper middle class of Moslem society where public opinion is militating against polygamy. In some countries, for example, Iran, the trend may not be as apparent as in others, but one can safely generalize that the plural marriage to-day is tabooed in better-class society. The fact that polygamy is no longer comme il faut is a powerful leverage for reform. Self-respect craves public approval and shrinks from criticism. Under the pressure of adverse public criticism polygamy will steadily decline.
