It is not only in islamic societies that this view prevailed, it makes perfect sense.
Because we have a large population that replaces itself easily, and lots of wealth, comparitively, we view such arrangements as primitive and indulgent, as we promote monogamy. Apart from the indulgences practiced by muslim men who could get away with it, polygamy probably wasn't considered primitive and indulgent for most muslims in past centuries. It was necessary for survival of individuals and the state.
hmmm I wonder too about what the women get from Allah, 72 blown up men(pun intended)
do they get 72 "virgin" men?
72 lezzies?
one 72 year old male?
Interesting. I did not know that.
(snort) I guess there're a lot of middle-aged widows that these fellows are willing to marry and support. yeah. right. This is a culture that marries off little girls--Anwar Sadat's 12-yr-old daughter, for one.