Untying the Knot: Marriage, the State, and the Case for Their Divorce

(Hardback)

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Description

Activists argue about how to define marriage, judges and legislators decide who should benefit from it, and scholars consider how the state should protect those who are denied it. This title argues that marriage, like religion, should be separated from the state. It explains the assumptions hidden in widely held positions and common practices.

Reviews

"Marriage as an ethical and social relationship is to reside outside the state's reach. Metz convincingly defends this position by using traditional liberal values alongside feminist analyses to critique and reject justifications of 'established' marriage found in Locke, Mill, Susan Moller Okin, and US legal opinions."--Choice "Tamara Metz has written an important book that makes a provocative and ultimately persuasive argument for getting the state out of the marriage business... I am very impressed with the persuasiveness of Metz's overarching argument and with the respectful and non-dismissive way in which she addresses the normative concerns of religious people, as well as the insights of feminist theorists. This book definitely makes a contribution to the literature on marriage, and it deserves a wide reading."--R. Claire Snyder-Hall, Law and Politics Book Review "This lucid, thoughtful, and cogently argued book makes a significant contribution to the literature on marriage. It will advance debates over marriage law beyond the question of which form of marriage the state should recognize to the deeper question of why the state should recognize marriage at all. Specialists in social and political philosophy, feminist philosophy, and the history of liberal thought will profit from it, but it is also accessible to the student or general reader."--Elizabeth Brake, Philosophy in Review "Metz's focus on the meaning side of marriage provides a timely guide to understanding contemporary marriage debates... Her book should be of interest to the wider audience of readers who feel some stake in the ongoing marriage debates."--Linda McClain, Political Science Quarterly "Untying the Knot is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the current struggles over the nature, meaning, and significance of marriage, and it borders on being a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in the relationship between liberalism and marriage."--Eric M. Cave, Social Theory and Practice "[T]his book ... is a forceful volley that effectively changes the terms of the marriage debate, forcing us to argue about fundamental assumptions as well as implications."--Michele Pridmore-Brown, European Legacy "An obvious strength of this work is Metz's clarity of argument, both in terms of her careful and considered analysis and her exceptionally clear writing style. Her prose is refreshingly enjoyable to read, and spells out her case at a measured pace. Whether or not you agree with the argument Metz presents, you will understand it."--Amy Watson, LSE Politics and Policy blog

Author Bio

Tamara Metz is assistant professor of political science and humanities at Reed College.