Question 3 Anarchism Flashcards
What was the free love movement?
The free love movement was a social movement that rejected marriage primarily due to the state’s involvement in regulating sexual and romantic relationships. Proponents of free love argued that personal and intimate matters, such as marriage, birth control, abortion, adultery, and prostitution, should be the concern solely of the individuals involved, advocating for freedom from state regulation and church interference. They viewed marriage as a form of social bondage, particularly for women.
How was this social movement linked to Godwin’s critique of marriage and anarchism in general?
This movement was significantly linked to Godwin’s critique of marriage and anarchism in general. As an anarchist, Godwin fundamentally opposed the governmental social system and any form of centralized authority that curtailed individual freedom. He viewed marriage, sanctioned and controlled by both the state and the church, as another oppressive institution that limited individual autonomy, especially for women. Godwin critiqued marriage as an evil institution filled with delusions, unrealistic expectations, and a system that allowed for the oppression of women. He questioned the contractual nature of marriage, particularly its economic and political motivations rather than being solely based on love and choice. His anarchist principles led him to oppose any institution, including marriage, that infringed upon individual liberty and was enforced by external authority.
Do we see this movement in more contemporary times?
We do see the legacy and evolution of the free love movement in more contemporary times. Ongoing debates and shifts in societal norms around same-sex marriage, the push for the decriminalization and destigmatization of sex work, and the increasing acceptance of diverse relationship structures (e.g., polyamory) can be seen as continuations of the desire for freedom from state and societal regulation of personal and intimate lives. The feminist critique of traditional marriage structures, particularly regarding the division of labor, emotional labor, and potential for oppression, and the emphasis on individual autonomy in relationships also resonate with the core ideas of the free love movement. The idea that individuals should have the freedom to define their relationships without state or religious interference remains a relevant and evolving aspect of contemporary social discourse.
