Harem former times, some harems were guarded by eunuchs (castrated men) who were allowed inside. Similar institutions have been common in other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern civilizations, especially among royal and upper-class families and the term is sometimes used in non-Islamic contexts. The structure of the harem and the extent of monogamy or polygamy has varied depending on the family's personalities, socio-economic status, and local customs. Although the institution has experienced a sharp decline in the modern era, seclusion of women is still practiced in some parts of the world, such as rural Afghanistan and conservative states of the Gulf region.
What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense is a 2012 book about marriage by Sherif Girgis, Ryan T. Anderson, and the philosopher Robert P. George, in which the authors argue against same-sex marriage. The book is based on an academic article published in the "Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy", a student-edited conservative journal, in 2010. One month before its publication, in November 2012, the co-authors published another article in "The Wall Street Journal" presenting the book. George, Girgis and Anderson argue against gay marriage. They suggest that marriage should