Just Marriage

Just Marriage examines the institution of marriage in modern society and explores arguments for reforming marriage laws and policies. The book brings together perspectives from legal scholars, philosophers, and social scientists to analyze marriage as both a personal relationship and a civil institution. The text addresses key debates around marriage equality, including same-sex marriage, polygamy, and the role of the state in regulating intimate relationships. Shanley presents various frameworks for considering how marriage laws could be made more equitable while preserving marriage's important social functions. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, the book examines how different societies have defined and regulated marriage over time. The discussion encompasses both historical context and contemporary challenges facing marriage as an institution in the 21st century. The book provides a balanced examination of marriage reform that connects individual rights with broader questions of social justice and public policy. Its central focus is the tension between marriage as a personal choice and as a state-regulated institution that shapes society's basic structure.

Readers note this book takes an academic look at marriage rights and policy through multiple contributed essays. Most view it as a dense but thorough examination of marriage equality from legal and philosophical perspectives. Readers appreciated: - Clear organization of complex legal concepts - Inclusion of diverse viewpoints and contributors - Practical policy suggestions - Strong citations and research Common criticisms: - Academic writing style can be dry - Some essays are more accessible than others - Limited discussion of non-Western marriage traditions - Brief length at only 144 pages Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (3 ratings) One reviewer on Goodreads wrote: "A concise overview of marriage policy debates, though the academic tone may put off casual readers." An Amazon review noted: "The legal analysis is solid but could have explored international marriage laws more deeply."

Marriage, A History by Stephanie Coontz A historical examination of how marriage evolved from economic arrangement to love-based partnership, with analysis of changing social norms and legal frameworks.

What Is Marriage For? by E. J. Graff The book traces marriage's transformation through legal, social, and economic lenses while examining same-sex marriage debates and their impact on traditional marriage concepts.

Should Marriage Be Abolished? by Janet Bennion and Lisa Fishbayn Joffe This text presents arguments for and against traditional marriage while exploring alternative relationship structures and legal arrangements.

The Marriage-Go-Round by Andrew J. Cherlin The text analyzes American marriage patterns, divorce rates, and relationship behaviors through sociological and demographic research.

Beyond Marriage by Nancy D. Polikoff A legal analysis of marriage rights and relationship recognition that explores alternatives to traditional marriage-based benefits and protections.

📚 Author Mary Lyndon Shanley is a professor emerita at Vassar College who has devoted over 40 years to studying political theory and gender issues 🤝 The book emerged from the "Rethinking Marriage" conference at Princeton University's Center for Human Values in 2003 ⚖️ Shanley argues that marriage should be viewed as a "public institution" rather than just a private relationship, making it subject to principles of social justice 👥 The text includes responses from prominent scholars like Martha Nussbaum and Elizabeth F. Cohen, creating a dialogue about marriage reform 📜 The book examines how marriage laws have historically reinforced racial and gender hierarchies, drawing parallels between interracial marriage bans and same-sex marriage restrictions