Final answer:
Polygyny, where a man has multiple wives, is practiced by a minority of individuals within certain societies, often by older, wealthier, and high-status men. Reasons for this practice include population issues, religious beliefs, and social status. Urbanization and greater access to education and media tend to decrease this practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the social practice of having "too many wives", it is essential to understand that this refers to the practice of polygyny, which is a form of polygamy where a man has multiple wives. Although many societies accept this practice, only a small percentage of people actually engage in it. Typically, those who practice it are older, wealthy, high-status men and the reasons they do so vary, often including issues such as population growth, religious ideologies, and social status.
In many polygamous societies, the average plural marriage involves no more than three wives. However, as these societies urbanize and gain more access to mass media, technology, and education, the prevalence of polygamy decreases. It's important to note that these practices are deeply embedded in the cultures and beliefs of the people who practice them, balancing societal norms with personal and religious freedoms. Some societies have legal frameworks that restrict or regulate polygamy due to concerns over social order and potential harm to individuals.