Laws from culture to culture

Question 1

What is social construction?

Answer 1

Something that has been made or defined by society

Question 2

Polygamy laws

Answer 2

• Polygamy means having more than one husband or wife at the same time
• It is legal in 58 countries most of Muslim majority
• It is illegal in the UK, Turkey and Tunisia
• Maximum sentence is 7 years imprisonment and/or a fine
• It can change due to:
  Religion - the Quran permits Muslim men to take up to 4 wives
  Tradition - traditionally practised in African countries

Question 3

Adultery laws

Answer 3

• Adultery is sexual acts between two people where one or both are married

Question 4

Homosexuality laws

Answer 4

• Homosexuality is sexual acts between members of the same sex
• Male homosexuality is illegal in 72 countries and females homosexuality is illegal in 45 countries
• It is legal in the UK, Europe and North and South America
• It can change due to:
  religion - countries where religion has a strong influence on law making are more likely to criminalise the behaviour
  public opinion - research shows higher levels of support for bans on homosexuality in some countries