Which family structure is defined as one woman having multiple husbands?

The definition of polyandry involves a family structure in which one woman is married to multiple husbands simultaneously. This arrangement is relatively rare compared to other forms such as polygyny, where one man has multiple wives, or monogamy, which is a marriage between two individuals. Polyandry is often practiced in particular cultural contexts, often as a way to ensure resource management or to limit population growth within a community.

Understanding polyandry in this way highlights the diversity of family structures across different societies and how these structures can be influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors. This framework helps in examining not only the form of relationships but also the implications these structures might have on family dynamics, gender roles, and societal organization.