Marriage and Love

work by Goldman

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July 17, 2026

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Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist, wrote "Marriage and Love" in 1910. In this work, she criticized marriage as an institution that created dependency, particularly for women, making them "a parasite" and "an absolute dependent". Goldman advocated for "free love," which she defined as an uncoerced attachment between individuals, free from the constraints of law and church. Her views extended to opposing societal norms around relationships and advocating for personal autonomy. Goldman was also known for her activism against capitalism, the state, and for her support of birth control.12

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…which she condemned in “Marriage and Love” (1910) as an institution that “makes a parasite of woman, an absolute dependent.” She also served a prison term for advocating birth control.
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…which she condemned in “Marriage and Love” (1910) as an institution that “makes a parasite of woman, an absolute dependent.” She also served a prison term for advocating birth control.
Read More