The Abolition of Marriage Movement from a Tax Policy Perspective: Only Certain Women Need Apply

Abstract

The abolition of marriage movement seeks to end the oppression of women by abolishing the legal significance of marriage. The proponents of the abolition of marriage movement have failed to show that the movement would help all women. Specifically, the proponents have not taken into account the race and class distinctions among women.

Scholars have shown that wives who make significant financial contributions to the household have the most control in their marriages. Empirical data shows that black wives and low and middle income white wives are likely to make significant financial contributions to their households. As such they are most likely not oppressed by marriage, yet the abolition of marriage movement does not show how the movement would impact these women. The abolition of marriage movement should separately consider its impact on black women and lower and middle income white women in order to satisfy its goal of eliminating the subordination of all women. This Essay hopes to initiate such an examination.