ABSTRACT
In South America, some communities have similarly embraced principles at which many Westerners would no doubt blanch. If so, alternative approaches to family around the world may leave them feeling downright queasy. Monogamy is, of course, not universally rejected outside of the West. But polygamy survives in some 800 different communities around the world. It was the case with the young Mongol Temujin, whom the world would come to know forever as Genghis Khan. This bears some resemblance to the western orchestration of the family as a refuge from the uncertain and turbulent outside world. Indeed, as Westerners visiting Afghan homes, Johnson and Leslie were frequently kept in a waiting room separate to residents' quarters until a family member came to discuss their visit. Yet, interpretations of Islamic positions on relationships, marriage, gender, and sexuality do vary greatly around the world.
