This volume looks at how, during the age of empires (1800-1900), marriage was a key transition in the life course worldwide, a rite of passage everywhere with major cultural significance. While in some ways the institution of marriage became threatened - for instance through rising divorce rates in Western societies - in others it became more anchored than ever before. In Western Europe marriage was increasingly regarded as the only way to reach happiness and self-fulfillment, and romantic partner choice became a new ideal, but material interests remained nevertheless guiding principles in...
This volume looks at how, during the age of empires (1800-1900), marriage was a key transition in the life course worldwide, a rite of passage everywh...