In "Marriage as a Trade" by Cicely Mary Hamilton, published in 1909, the author delves into the often overlooked aspect of marriage as a means of livelihood for women.
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| Marriage as a Trade |
While there is no shortage of literature on the romantic and emotional aspects of marriage, Hamilton argues that the economic and practical considerations of wifehood and motherhood are equally important.
Hamilton acknowledges that love between a man and a woman is crucial in marriage, but she believes that it is equally important to examine the ways in which women earn their living and the economic conditions under which they enter into marriage and start a family. She argues that understanding the trade aspect of marriage is essential in order to fully grasp the complexities of women's roles in society.
Throughout the book, Hamilton explores the various ways in which women have historically been dependent on marriage for financial security and social status. She discusses the challenges that women face in balancing their roles as wives, mothers, and breadwinners, and she sheds light on the inequalities and injustices that women often experience within the institution of marriage.
Hamilton's work is a thought-provoking and insightful examination of the economic and social implications of marriage for women. By shining a light on this often overlooked aspect of marriage, she challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about the roles and responsibilities of women in society. "Marriage as a Trade" is a groundbreaking and important work that continues to resonate with readers today.
