Opting Out: Women Messing with Marriage Around the World

Women around the world are opting out of marriage, and this book explores the reasons why this is happening in places where marriage has long been obligatory. It offers sensitive and powerful portrayals of women as they escape or reshape marriage into a more rewarding arrangement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Women around the world are increasingly choosing to forego marriage, a phenomenon that is being explored through nuanced ethnographic accounts that shed light on the factors that enable this widespread trend in regions where marriage has traditionally been a societal obligation. In Opting Out, the authors present a collection of essays that delve into the lives of individual women and the evolving circumstances that shape their experiences. These narratives are portrayed with honesty, humor, and unexpected twists, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities and challenges of navigating the world of marriage.

The book raises important questions about the persistent disappointment that women often encounter in marriage. When the perceived benefits of economic stability and social status associated with marriage are overshadowed by challenges and dissatisfaction, does marriage truly offer women compelling reasons to embrace it?

Through their compelling portrayals, the authors of Opting Out shed light on the diverse geographic contexts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America where women are escaping or reshaping marriage to create more rewarding arrangements. These essays offer sensitive and powerful insights into the experiences of women as they navigate the complexities of love, relationships, and personal fulfillment in a world that often prescribes traditional gender roles and expectations.

By exploring the nuances of women's choices and the factors that influence their decisions to opt out of marriage, Opting Out contributes to a broader understanding of the complex dynamics that shape contemporary relationships and family structures. It challenges societal norms and encourages individuals to reevaluate the assumptions and expectations that perpetuate gender inequality and limited opportunities for women.

In conclusion, Opting Out is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of marriage and women's choices in the modern world. Through its compelling narratives and thoughtful analysis, it prompts us to reexamine the societal norms and expectations that shape our relationships and to work towards creating a more equitable and fulfilling future for all individuals.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978830103