What Is Marriage For?

E. J. Graff's What Is Marriage For? examines the evolution of marriage as a social institution through Western history and builds a case for same-sex marriage recognition. The book traces shifts in marriage practices and laws from ancient times through the modern era. Through historical analysis and social commentary, Graff explores six core functions of marriage: money, sex, babies, kin, order, and love. The text documents how these aspects have transformed across different time periods and cultures. The book presents legal, social, and historical evidence to support marriage equality, drawing from extensive research into past marriage reforms and social movements. Graff includes discussions of interfaith marriage, interracial marriage, and other historic changes to marriage laws. What Is Marriage For? contributes to debates about marriage equality by placing contemporary discussions in broader historical context. The work suggests that marriage as an institution has always been in flux, adapting to meet the needs and values of each era.

Readers describe this examination of marriage's cultural evolution as thorough and well-researched, though some find the academic tone dry. The book's analysis of how marriage traditions shifted over centuries resonates with many reviewers. Readers appreciate: - Detailed historical documentation and primary sources - Clear explanations of how marriage laws evolved - Balanced treatment of religious and secular perspectives Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Too much focus on Western/European marriage customs - Limited discussion of modern marriage trends Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (82 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (24 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Excellent research but reads like a dissertation" - Goodreads reviewer "Helped me understand marriage as a changing institution" - Amazon reviewer "Would have benefited from more global perspectives" - LibraryThing reviewer

A History of Marriage by Elizabeth Abbott A chronological examination of how marriage evolved from antiquity through modern times across different cultures and societies.

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There Goes the Bride by Jaclyn Geller An analysis of marriage as a social institution challenges traditional assumptions about matrimony through historical and cultural perspectives.

The Marriage-Go-Round by Andrew J. Cherlin A sociological study explains how American marriage patterns differ from other Western nations through examination of cultural ideals and demographic data.

Marriage Markets by June Carbone, Naomi Cahn Research on how economic forces and class differences shape modern marriage patterns and family formation in American society.

🔹 E. J. Graff wrote this groundbreaking book in 1999, well before same-sex marriage was legalized in any U.S. state, making it one of the earliest comprehensive academic works to address the topic. 🔹 Marriage licenses in America were first introduced in the 1920s primarily as a way to prevent interracial marriages, not to protect the institution of marriage as many believe. 🔹 The author discovered that until the 1800s, most Western marriages were primarily economic arrangements, with love-based marriages being relatively rare and even considered potentially dangerous to social order. 🔹 Ancient Roman marriages could be dissolved simply by either party moving out of the shared home - no formal divorce process was required. 🔹 The book reveals that same-sex unions were actually recognized in various forms by the Catholic Church until the 14th century, with formal ceremonies documented in ancient church liturgical texts.