Throughout the centuries, the average human life span has significantly increased. In the 18th century the average human lived to be 35 to 40 years old. Today, with the help of many medical advances, the average human life span has doubled, allowing humans to live to the average age of 76, assuming that they are in good health. The life expectancy of a woman has been proven to exceed that of a man's by about seven years. For the reason that women outlive men, some sociologists have proposed a modification in marriage laws to allow elderly men to practice polygyny, marriage with more than one wife, in an effort to decrease the number of lonely widows. A monogamous marriage is the archetype of American culture, and allowing the practice of polygyny amongst the elderly undermines the special bond between two, and only two people.
             Marriage is an important religious ceremony that varies according to each country. In most countries couples prefer a traditional monogamous marriage, although some religious groups prefer the unwonted polygamous marriage. In the Muslim and African culture, for example, polygyny is considered the norm. In the American culture, the expected marriage is monogamous and other forms of marriage are not only illegal, but are looked down upon. By permitting the elderly to practice polygyny, the essence of the traditional American marriage would slowly fade away, as many would begin to adopt the customs of other countries. Those who would choose to practice polygyny would not only be practicing a ritual that is not their own, but would also be committing a criminal offense.
             By permitting the elderly to practice polygyny, not only would marriage laws throughout the United States require modification, but it would also be a form of discrimination. As polygyny stands, it is considered to be illegal in all 50 states. In order to permit the elderly to practice polygyny, marriage laws throughout the entire countr...