Wedded Wife: A Feminist History of Marriage [Hardcover]

In this fascinating and insightful book, feminist curator Rachael Lennon provides an intimate and intersectional examination of the history of marriage, with a focus on the UK.

In thisfascinating feminist history, Rachael Lennon tells aremarkable story of how this institution has developedfrom the ancient customs of the stone age through to the modern form it takes today.

In this eminentlyreadable and relatable study, Lennon also explores themes such asthe pressure to marry, thepolitics surrounding proposals, the spectacle of marriage, the business behind it, and the politics tied to consummation as well as issues such astaking a man’s name, the nuances of marriage vows and obedience,‘having it all’and trying to keep up the fight to have anenduring marriage.

Having married her wife just a few years after thelegalisation of same sex marriagein the United Kingdom, Lennon interweaves herown personal experiences of marriagewith stories and anecdotes from throughout history to explorehow marriage has transformed over the years.

Inshaking off patriarchal expectations,Rachael examines marriage’stroubling pastand celebrates amore joyful present, celebrating thefeminist activistswho have fought to make marriage a pure and equitable celebration of love, open to everyone regardless of gender or sexuality.

She also asks what compels us to keep making this choice?Can we let go of the gendered baggage that we have inherited?Can we hold true to feminist values as we commit to our partners?And what does that look like?How can we build on the past to continue to redefine marriage for the future?