Why "Boston marriage" became so popular (7 photos)

This term appeared after the release of the novel by Henry James "Bostonians" (year of publication - 1886). It was used in New England at the end 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a completely new type of union, for a new type women.





The novel ironically describes the relationship between a feminist and a girl who had just begun to plunge into the subject of suffragettes. They come together, live together as friends, but when the second girl decides marry your brother first, then their relationship is over.



But what is a Boston marriage? Unlike the usual patriarchal marriage, he gave a woman much more opportunities than to be just a prefix to everyday life. She can control her life with her property and build her life the way she wants. That is, women just live together, but not as roommates - their relationship is more deep. Women run the household and budget together, take care of each other, receive guests ... In general, everything that exists in a classic marriage, only without sex and without men.





The advantages of such a marriage are obvious: whatever the classic marriage, even the most loving and happy, he somehow brought together the role of women in the family to servants. The fact that the wife could be educated, smart and worked until marriage, stopped playing right after the wedding. The husband, at the same time, continued to build a career, write scientific work and so on. All these "rules" were preserved even in the most enlightened circles of society. A typical example is in the USA, in 1870, Wellesley College opened, becoming one of the first American educational establishments for women. Yes, they could get an education, engage in research, but there was one strict rule: as soon as a student she got married, she immediately stopped her studies and had everything canceled for her academic positions.



Women scientists had no other choice but to seek alternative options for conventional marriage. The vast majority of them chose the "Boston marriage". I wonder what marriage is today no longer puts an end to his career, but "Boston relations" exist and now: in Europe, Australia, USA. And not just like that.



Girls note that it is sometimes easier for them to start living with another girl. They share the cost of an apartment, life. Living together is not limits them in any way, but at the same time, women always have support, which does not exist in solo existence. And for an important reason: the risk of domestic violence is reduced when family roles are divided into "male" and "female".



Who refers to the "Boston marriage":

Single ladies in age. In this case, women find in each other a successful ersatz family, support and interlocutor.

Girls who have just moved out from their parents. Undoubtedly "flying out of the nest" is stress, and if there is a person nearby who understands the fears and anxieties of another, then this is what you need.

Young divorced mothers. Living with a girlfriend is immediately lack of social exclusion, moral and financial support and help during difficult times. If two mothers come together, then they will be able to perfectly replace each other and give a friend a rest, which is so important for moms.



The good thing about Boston marriage is that you can get out of it. absolutely at any time. It is also not legally regulated in any way. therefore, it will not be necessary to go to courts and get divorced, as in the situation with classic marriage.

It's a good way to get support, give it away take care and make life easier for yourself without imposing obligations "classic" wife and for some time not to associate his life with men, which is important for women who are faced with negativity in the usual marriage/relationships.