This document provides an overview of a proposed study that will examine perceptions and effects of polygamy among Muslim communities in Malaysia. The study aims to understand views on polygamy's appropriateness, examine how family law addresses it, and analyze its impact on families and society. Primary data will be collected through interviews with 30 respondents from various states, and secondary data collection. Qualitative data will also be gathered through interviews with 10 feminists from each of two women's organizations to understand their perceptions of polygamy. The methodology employs a multi-method approach including purposive sampling of affected families.

1. Sample of ProposalSample of Proposal
Title : Measuring the
Perception and Effect of
Polygamy among the Muslim
communities in Malaysia

2. IntroductionIntroduction
 The research focuses a general understanding of Polygamy and its effects
on family as well as society among the Muslim Communities in Malaysia.
 Polygamy is a general term that means multiple spouses (White & White,
2005). Polygamy is well known and recognized practice from social legal
and religious aspects in most of Muslim countries. In the last 2 decades,
polygamy has been the focus of a significant growth in public, political, and
academic awareness (Elbedour, et al 2004). Polygamy in particular
constitutes one of the distinctive features of the marriage in many
countries and while its frequency may be declining, it is still widely
practiced (Westoff, 2003). It is estimated that somewhere between 20,000
and 60,000 people still practice polygamy today (Kincaid, 2003). The paper
also attempts to examine the role of Muslim Family law concerning
Polygamy in various countries. Polygamy is one of special of interest and a
distinguished feature in Muslim communities. Although Polygamy has been
practiced all over the world for many centuries, it is a very common
practice in the African communities.

3. Introduction (Cont)Introduction (Cont)
 There is an argument whether polygamy is appropriate or inappropriate
to our society. There is an argument whether polygamy is appropriate or
inappropriate to our society. Some believe that Polygamy is very helpful to
career women who might have to work late and then go home and take
care of their children or husband (Joseph, 1998). Conversely, many believe
that Polygamy is inappropriate because they consider as female slavery
(Kincaid, 2003). However, polygamy has negative effect to the family and
society as it makes a conflict among wives. It is difficult for family
management especially to arrange and sharing the task. Therefore,
polygamy may ruin the family as well as society. It may bring negative
effect to family institution. Due to Polygamy, children may lose their
respect to their parents. It is also difficult for husband to be fair to his
wives. Thus, this research attempts to examine the effect of Polygamy in
family within the context of inappropriate or appropriate relationships
among husband and wife and other family members in the family.

4. Research objectivesResearch objectives
 The general objective of the study is to examine the
general understanding and perception of polygamy and
its effect on family as well as in society. Some specific
objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to examine
the perception a polygamy among the researchers and
feminists; (2) to examine the role of family Law
concerning Polygamy; (3) to analyze the effect of
polygamy in family and society.

5. Research MethodologyResearch Methodology
The study is based on two main types of data.
 Firstly, the concept of Islamic family law and the
implication of Muslim family law in Malaysia as well as
other countries.
 It will be discussed based on secondary information
such as article books, journals, and internet that are
related to research.
 Secondly, the paper provides a case study based on
primary data collected in selected study areas namely,
University Pendidikan Sultana Idris, in Malaysia.
 In order to achieve the research objectives, a multi-
method approach was employed in this study.

6. Research Methodology (CONT)Research Methodology (CONT)
 Besides, primary data will be collected from respondents,
secondary information will be collected according to the research
objectives.
 The respondents are selected from lectures and UPSI non-
academic staff from University Pendidikan Sultana Idris, Malaysia.
 As the study population, 30 respondents will be randomly selected
from UPSI. Male and female will be selected among three races.
 Purposive sampling method will be employed in order to measure
the effect of polygamy in family as well as society.
 According to purposive sampling method, only the effected family
(husband & wives) will be considered as the study respondents.

7. Qualitative Research (cont..)Qualitative Research (cont..)
Measuring the perception and
understating of Polygamy
Number of respondents
Women Aid Organization
(WAO)
Feminists and staffs will be selected
for interview session
10
Sister in Islam (SIS)
Feminists and staffs will be selected
for interview session
10
Measuring the effect of Polygamy
in family as well as society
Respondents will be selected from
various states in Malaysia
30
Total 50