An Egalitarian Defence of the Marriage-Free State: Rethinking Marriage as an Egalitarian Institution

Marriage is a ubiquitous institution in human societies. It is often seen as a symbol of love, commitment, and family. However, marriage can also be a site of inequality and oppression. In many cultures, women are expected to take on the majority of childcare and housework, even when they work outside the home. This can lead to women being financially dependent on their husbands and having less power in the relationship. Marriage can also be a source of homophobia and transphobia, as it is often seen as a heterosexual institution.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to challenge the traditional view of marriage. Some people argue that marriage should be abolished altogether, while others argue that it should be redefined to be more egalitarian. This book defends the latter position. It argues that marriage can be a valuable institution, but only if it is based on equality, respect, and mutual consent.

Traditional marriage is based on a number of assumptions that are no longer tenable in the 21st century. First, it assumes that men and women are naturally suited to different roles in society. Men are seen as the breadwinners and protectors, while women are seen as the caregivers and nurturers. This division of labor is often justified by reference to biology, but there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that men and women are inherently different in this way.

Against Marriage: An Egalitarian Defence of the Marriage-Free State (Oxford Political Theory)

by Juliane Marie Schreiber

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1197 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Second, traditional marriage assumes that heterosexuality is the only natural and acceptable form of sexual orientation. This assumption is based on religious dogma and has no basis in science. There is overwhelming evidence that homosexuality and other forms of sexual orientation are natural and healthy variations of human sexuality.

Third, traditional marriage assumes that marriage is a lifelong commitment. This assumption is based on the idea that marriage is a sacred institution that should not be dissolved. However, the reality is that many marriages end in divorce. In the United States, the divorce rate is over 50%.

These assumptions about marriage lead to a number of problems. First, they create a system of inequality between men and women. Men are given more power and control in marriage, while women are expected to be submissive and compliant. This inequality can lead to violence against women, economic exploitation, and other forms of oppression.

Second, the assumption that heterosexuality is the only natural and acceptable form of sexual orientation leads to discrimination against LGBT people. LGBT people are often denied the right to marry, adopt children, and serve in the military. This discrimination can have a devastating impact on the lives of LGBT people.

Third, the assumption that marriage is a lifelong commitment can lead to people staying in unhappy or even abusive relationships. People may feel pressured to stay together for the sake of their children or because they fear social stigma. This can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering for both individuals and families.

In this book, I argue that we need to rethink marriage from the ground up. We need to develop a new understanding of marriage that is based on equality, respect, and mutual consent. This new understanding of marriage would not be based on the assumptions of traditional marriage. Instead, it would be based on the following principles:

• Equality: Marriage should be a partnership of equals. Both partners should have equal power and control in the relationship.
• Respect: Marriage should be based on mutual respect. Both partners should value and support each other's goals and aspirations.
• Mutual consent: Marriage should be entered into freely and willingly by both partners. Both partners should have the right to leave the marriage at any time.

This new understanding of marriage would lead to a number of benefits. First, it would create a more just and equitable society. Marriage would no longer be a source of inequality between men and women. It would also be more inclusive of LGBT people.

Second, this new understanding of marriage would lead to happier and healthier relationships. Marriage would be based on love, respect, and mutual support. This would lead to more fulfilling relationships for both individuals and families.

Third, this new understanding of marriage would give people more freedom and choice. People would be free to enter and leave marriage without fear of stigma or discrimination. This would give people more control over their own lives and would allow them to create the relationships that are best for them.

Marriage is a complex and evolving institution. It has the potential to be a source of great joy and fulfillment, but it can also be a source of inequality and oppression. In this book, I have argued that we need to rethink marriage from the ground up. We need to develop a new understanding of marriage that is based on equality, respect, and mutual consent. This new understanding of marriage would lead to a more just, equitable, and fulfilling society.

Against Marriage: An Egalitarian Defence of the Marriage-Free State (Oxford Political Theory)

by Juliane Marie Schreiber

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1197 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE