Abolition of Marriage

by Maggie Gallagher

Book Overview

Marriage is disappearing as a cultural norm in America, with disastrous consequences for the social and economic stability that depend on it. That's the reality that Maggie Gallagher asks us to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895264641
• ISBN13: 9780895264640
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Very Insightful

This book challenges much of the conventional wisdom that US society has adopted since the beginning of the modern welfare state and the sexual revolution. Ms. Gallagher outlines many of the destructive results that these modern trends have brought to bear on marriages and families.After reading the book, it is hard not to question the liberalism that has changed our society in the past 40 years.

a much needed retort to divorce peddlers

Ms Gallagher presents a compelling argument against the current "no fault" divorce laws currently in effect in America. Unilateral divorce permits one impatient and self-centered defaulting party to dissolve a sacred economic and emotional bond for no reason, or as Gallagher wrote, "we gained the right to divorce and in the process lost the right to marry." The cost of this state of affairs has been wrecked lives-of abandoned spouses and neglected children, turning partnerships into games of prisoner's dilemma. Defenders of such encouragement of irresponsibility demand to be freed of any responsibility of reflecting carefully on their choice of mates or the effort required to develop a loving relationship. Such an attitude indicates either a willful blindness to the public consequences of private actions or a callous disregard to the lives of others. Gallagher's recommendation to terminate unilateral divorce would be a welcome relief, but as she points out, the federal constitution's "full faith and credit" clause currently functions to facilitate dissolution rather than affirm marriage. Changing this dynamic (plus permitting "discrimination" on the basis of marital status) while preventing collateral damage from nationally recognized bugger unions presents an interesting challenge. Whether the real adults in society can revitalize this crumbling legal and moral institution yet remains to be seen. _Abolition_ presents a clarion call.

A very realistic look at modern marriage

Gallagher has produced an intelligent, much needed treatise. Her hypothesis is that marriage no longer exists. With no fault divorce one person in a marriage can end it anytime they choose for any reason. The traditional social contract of mom at home and dad at work depended on the legal contract that bound dad to mom, forever. Without that legal contract the social contract was destroyed as well. A woman who stays at home with her children today is a walking a tight-rope without a net. Gallagher points out that many women choose career over home out of fear, not necessity or ambition. She defends traditional marriage not in romance novel terms, but in the very real impact family breakup has on children. Gallagher explains why marriages should be saved even when not blissful. The value of marriage lies in working through difficult times more than in idealized romantic illusions.

Absolute "must read" for married couples -- 10+++

This book is a major eye-opener on too many issues to list. You won't think the same about marriage, divorce, and the long-term consequences of both. I've been married for 11 years, and have 3 kids. After I read this book, I've figured that, come hell or high water, my wife and I are sticking together forEVER. Far, far more at stake in marriage -- and divorce -- than most of us realize. This book is a profoundly disturbing -- and much-needed -- wakeup call about the consequences of divorce. And if you or someone you know has been thinking about getting divorced -- READ THIS FIRST. Cannot recommend this book too highly.

A real eye opener!

We all know that marriage is in trouble. Maggie Gallagher traces the social and legal changes contributing to the decline of marriage. She points out how the incessant quest for individual personal freedom and fulfilment undermines the marriage contract. Most recently, we try to recognize non-married relationships with many of the same rights as marriage, all in the name of supporting commited relationships, thereby undermining marriage further. Maggie's writing style is easy, without being simplistic, urgent, without being strident. This book is a "must read" for anyone interested in marriage today.