Public Vows
Book description
We commonly think of marriage as a private matter between two people, a personal expression of love and commitment. In this pioneering history, Nancy F. Cott demonstrates that marriage is and always has been a public institution.
From the founding of the United States to the present day, imperatives about…
Why read it?
1 author picked Public Vows as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
In Public Vows, Nancy Cott explores how the history of marriage in the United States reflects the creation of a very public and political institution. As Cott shows, in the early years of the United States, the common law doctrine of coverture allowed white men to hold a monopoly over the country’s civil and political institutions. For Cott, marriage has always been a public institution with political implications. As Cott explains, the political undercurrents and legal aspects of marriage have often allowed men to have control over women in law and in custom. Cott’s study was a vital component…
From Rebecca's list on how gender has shaped citizenship in the US.
Want books like Public Vows?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 92 books like Public Vows.
Share your top 3 reads of 2024!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,190
readers submitted
so far, will you?
