Polygamy and maternal infant mortality in Utah, 1852 to 1920

Jason Paul Bonham, Ken R. Smith and Tim A. Bruckner
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Jason Paul Bonham: Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany

No WP-2026-044, MPIDR Working Papers from Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany

Abstract: Background: Studies of polygamy in Saharan and sub-Saharan populations report negative offspring outcomes, including infant mortality. These results are often owed to strained resources in larger households and negative gender dynamics. Objective: We describe the relation between infant mortality and polygamy in Utah. This population is characterized by fathers with substantial resources coupled with mothers who generally supported the practice. Methods: Utilizing the Utah Population Database, based on historic genealogical records, we describe the difference of infant mortality risk between polygamous and monogamous mothers’ offspring using Cox proportional hazards modeling. These children were born in Utah between 1852 and 1920 (N=573,095). Results: Earlier cohorts of offspring of polygamous mothers have a 22% greater risk of mortality within the first year of life compared to their monogamous counterparts. This mortality penalty declines in later cohorts. Conclusions: Researchers should consider other factors that may have changed over time in this population to expand on the mechanisms that underlie this finding. These may include sexual selection, external political pressures, or high-parity clustering during periods of declining fertility. Contributions: Our findings contribute to research concerning polygamous offspring effects, infant mortality, reproductive fitness, and reproductive aging effects.

Keywords: America; historical demography; infant mortality; polygamy; polygyny (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J1 Z0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 20 pages
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dem:wpaper:wp-2026-044

DOI: 10.4054/MPIDR-WP-2026-044

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