Description
Book SynopsisIn American Marriage, Priscilla Yamin argues that marriage is a political institution to which actors turn either to stave off or to promote change over issues of race, gender, class, or sexuality. In the political struggle, certain marriages are pushed as necessary for the good of society, while others are contested or prevented.
Trade Review"An invitation to further and deeper conversations among scholars interested in all types of identity-based inequalities about the political institution of marriage and the politics of inclusion." *
Politics and Gender *
"Because Yamin, a political scientist, so astutely illustrates the hefty political work that marriage does in the face of the widespread belief that it is entirely nonpolitical, she deepens our grasp of its history." *
Journal of American History *
"A powerful analysis of the complex interactions between the public obligations expected of citizens and the private ones expected of marriage partners. Yamin demonstrates how our most intimate relationships have been shaped by political agendas, and in turn how our changing notion of personal rights and obligations are reshaping political debates." * Stephanie Coontz, author of
Marriage, A History *
"A splendid contribution to the scholarship of politics and marriage. . . . An exemplary work in a neglected field." * Anne Norton, University of Pennsylvania *
Table of ContentsList of Abbreviations
Introduction: Marriage as a Political Institution
I. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 1. The "Duties as Well as Privileges of Freedom
Chapter 2. "What Constitutes a Valid Marriage?"
II. THE LONG CULTURE WARS
Chapter 3. "Marriage Is One of the Basic Civil Rights of Man"
Chapter 4. "Marriage Is the Foundation of a Successful Society"
Chapter 5. "We're in a Battle for the Soul of the Nation"
Conclusion: "Is There Hope for the American Marriage?"
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments
