The Marriage Myths of Jadwiga of Poland
Crowned rex Poloniae, King of Poland, as a ten-year-old, Jadwiga soon had a decision to make: should she marry for love, or should she marry for politics?
When Statutory Rape Laws Led to Forced Marriages
In early 20th-century New York, men accused of "ruining" women under eighteen could avoid prosecution by marrying them.
Polygamy, Native Societies, and Spanish Colonists
Having more than one wife was an established part of life for some Native peoples before Europeans tried to end the practice.
The Decline of the Vegas Wedding
The Little White Wedding Chapel's changing fortunes are emblematic of the state of matrimony and romance.
The “Miscegenation” Troll
The term “miscegenation” was coined in an 1864 pamphlet by an anonymous author.
How Love Transformed American Immigration Law
Love was a deciding factor in the expansion of Asian immigration to the United States, via laws that emerged from Congress in the 1960s.
Why Covenant Marriage Failed to Take Off
Three states have legalized covenant marriage, which makes divorce difficult. Why didn't it stick among communities preoccupied with family values?
The Genetics of Cousin Marriage
It's conventional wisdom that procreation between first cousins is unhealthy. But what are the actual genetic risks?
When Weddings Went Commercial
The rise of industrial production and commercial marketing transformed the way that well-to-do Americans celebrate weddings.
The Unexpected Effects of the Oklahoma City Bombing
Divorce rates declined considerably in Oklahoma City during the immediate aftermath of the 1995 bombing there. Social scientists have a few theories as to why.