WAS MARRIAGE PURPOSELY DESIGNED AGAINST WOMEN?

WAS MARRIAGE PURPOSELY DESIGNED AGAINST WOMEN?

The Origin and purpose of Marriage

Marriage is one of humanity’s oldest social institutions, but its origins are complex, evolving over time from informal arrangements to legally and religiously recognized unions. The true origin of marriage is not tied to a single event or culture but developed independently across different societies as a way to regulate relationships, property, and social structures.

Early Human Societies: Marriage as a Social Contract

The earliest forms of marriage likely emerged in prehistoric times when early humans lived in small hunter-gatherer groups. In these societies, relationships were likely fluid, with partnerships formed for survival, reproduction, and resource-sharing rather than romantic love. As human communities grew, marriage became a way to establish clear social bonds and responsibilities between partners, particularly in raising children.

Anthropologists believe that early marriages were not romantic unions but rather pragmatic arrangements that ensured the survival of offspring. In some cases, women were exchanged between groups to strengthen alliances and prevent inbreeding.

Marriage as a Tool for Property and Power (Agricultural Revolution, ~10,000 BCE)

With the development of agriculture, humans transitioned from nomadic life to settled farming communities. This shift led to new social structures where property, land, and wealth became central to survival. As a result, marriage evolved into a formal contract to regulate inheritance and property rights.

Patriarchy and Ownership: In many early civilizations, women were considered property, and marriage was a way for men to control their offspring and ensure their wealth was passed down to legitimate heirs.
Dowries and Bride Price: In some cultures, marriage involved economic transactions where a bride’s family paid a dowry to the groom’s family or vice versa.
Polygamy and Strategic Alliances: Many ancient societies practiced polygamy (one man marrying multiple women) to increase wealth and influence, particularly among the elite and ruling classes.

Marriage in Ancient Civilizations

Many of the marriage customs we recognize today stem from early civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China.

Mesopotamia (~2350 BCE): The earliest known written marriage contracts date back to Sumerian and Babylonian societies. These contracts detailed property arrangements, the roles of spouses, and expectations regarding fidelity and inheritance.
Ancient Egypt: Marriage was seen as a practical arrangement rather than a religious or romantic bond. Egyptian women had relatively more rights, including the ability to divorce and own property.
Ancient Greece and Rome: Greek and Roman marriages were primarily about securing family status and political alliances. Love was not considered essential, and women had limited rights. In Rome, marriage laws eventually evolved to recognize legal contracts, including divorce.
China: Confucian traditions emphasized family hierarchy, and arranged marriages were common. Marriages were based on duty, respect, and maintaining ancestral lineage rather than personal choice.

The Role of Religion in Marriage

Religious institutions began formalizing marriage practices over time. Many early religions viewed marriage as a duty rather than a sacred union.

Hinduism: Ancient Hindu texts (such as the Vedas) described marriage as a sacred duty rather than a personal choice. The practice of arranged marriages developed within this tradition.
Judaism: Marriage in Jewish tradition was heavily regulated, with clear gender roles and expectations outlined in religious texts. Marriage was central to maintaining family lineage.
Christianity: Early Christianity did not initially have strict rules on marriage, but by the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church established marriage as a sacrament. The Church began requiring ceremonies and formal vows.
Islam: Marriage in Islamic tradition is considered a contract between two parties, with rights and responsibilities outlined in religious texts. It is not just a legal or social arrangement but also a moral and religious obligation.

Marriage in the Middle Ages and Beyond

During the Middle Ages (5th–15th centuries), marriage became increasingly controlled by religious and legal institutions. The Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping marriage laws, including monogamy, prohibitions on divorce, and the requirement of religious ceremonies.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, love-based marriages began to emerge in Western societies, challenging the idea that marriage was purely about duty and economic arrangements. The Industrial Revolution gave women more economic independence, allowing some to choose partners based on affection rather than financial necessity.

The Modern Evolution of Marriage

In the 20th and 21st centuries, marriage has continued to evolve:

Women’s Rights Movements: Legal changes have given women greater control over marriage, property, and divorce.
Same-Sex Marriage: Many countries now recognize same-sex marriage, redefining marriage beyond traditional gender roles.
Decline of Traditional Marriage: More people today choose to cohabitate, have children outside of marriage, or remain single, reflecting changing cultural norms.

However, origin of marriage lies in early human survival strategies, evolving into an institution used for economic, political, and religious purposes. While marriage was historically a tool for securing property and controlling women, it has transformed over time into a more personal and egalitarian partnership in many parts of the world. However, the institution continues to evolve, influenced by cultural, legal, and social changes.

From the above, the standpoint that marriage is against women can be clearly seen. It stems from historical and social perspectives that critique traditional marital structures. While marriage itself is not inherently against women, its historical and cultural implementations have often disadvantaged them in various ways. Below are some key reasons why some people view marriage as oppressive or limiting for women:

Historical Subjugation of Women

For much of history, marriage was not an equal partnership but a system where women were legally and socially subordinate to men. Laws often treated wives as the property of their husbands, limiting their rights to property, autonomy, and even personal freedom. Women were expected to obey their husbands, bear children, and take on domestic responsibilities without legal or financial independence.

Economic Dependence

Traditional marriage structures often left women economically dependent on their husbands. In many societies, women were not allowed to work or own property, meaning that leaving an unhappy or abusive marriage was nearly impossible without facing extreme poverty. Even today, in some cultures, marriage continues to reinforce financial dependency, limiting a woman’s ability to make independent choices.

Unequal Domestic and Emotional Labor

Women in marriage have historically shouldered the majority of unpaid domestic labor, including childcare, housework, and emotional caregiving. Studies show that even in modern marriages, women often do more housework and child-rearing than their male partners, even when both work full-time jobs. This imbalance has led to critiques that marriage disproportionately burdens women.

Marriage as a Tool of Social Control

In some societies, marriage has been used to control women’s bodies and sexuality. Practices like child marriage, dowries, forced marriages, and societal pressure to marry for honor or reputation have reinforced the idea that marriage is a way to regulate women rather than empower them.

Divorce Stigma and Legal Inequality

Historically, divorce has been far more difficult for women than men. In many cultures, divorced women face social shame, while men do not experience the same stigma. In some legal systems, women also face disadvantages in custody battles or financial settlements after divorce, making them more vulnerable than their male counterparts.

Gender-Based Violence in Marriage

Marriage has been used to justify or overlook domestic violence. In the past, many legal systems did not recognize marital rape, and women had little recourse against abusive husbands. While laws have improved in many places, some cultures still tolerate or minimize domestic abuse within marriage.

Loss of Identity and Autonomy

Marriage often comes with expectations for women to change their last name, adjust their career ambitions, or prioritize their husband’s needs over their own. While this is not universal, it reflects a tradition where women were expected to subsume their identity into that of their husbands.

The Expectation of Motherhood

In many societies, marriage is closely tied to childbearing, reinforcing the expectation that women must become mothers. Women who do not want children or cannot have them may face judgment or exclusion, reducing their value to their reproductive role rather than their individuality.

Modern Perspectives on Marriage and Feminism

With evolving gender roles, many women now challenge the idea that marriage is necessary for fulfillment, financial security, or social status. Feminist perspectives argue for relationships based on equality, whether in or outside of marriage, and for dismantling legal and cultural systems that disadvantage women within marriage.

Conclusion

While marriage itself is not inherently oppressive, historical and cultural traditions have often made it an institution that is oppressive to women, limits women’s rights and freedoms. Today, many women advocate for marriages based on true partnership and equality or choose alternatives like cohabitation, single parenthood, or non-traditional relationships to maintain their independence and autonomy.