Russell's Marriage and Morals (Reading group, meeting #3 notes)

 

Meeting #3  [meeting #1 notes here; meeting #2 notes here]

This is our third meeting for Russell’s book Marriage and Morals, covering chapters on the family and divorce.

In Chapter XIII Russell argues that the family provides the only rational basis for a limit on sexual freedom-- the interests of potential children is the only reason why some stability in sexual relations/ marriage is required.  I found this a surprising conclusion.  Question:  Do you agree with this?  With more reliable (though not full proof!) birth control more readily available, has this altered the moral landscape on this issue compared to a century ago?

Russell also contends that in agricultural times family was driven by economic considerations, but with the rise of industrialization came a rise in individualism. Now people want to marry who they choose to marry vs who their parents choose.  Russell also notes that fathers play a little role in raising their children, that they are too busy working.  Question:  Have things changed over the past century, with both parents working outside the home?

Russell emphasizes the impact having children has on the parent’s emotions, as both mothers and fathers regulate their lives largely by reference to their children. 

In Chapter 15 he addresses the role of the state, as the family is product of the legal system.  Public schooling plays a formative role in children’s development, complementing/augmenting parental influence.  Question:   How did school impact your childhood development, in both good and bad ways?

When addressing divorce in chapter 16 Russell considers the issue of how hard or easy it should be to get a divorce.  He considers cases involving partner insanity, lack of sex (which he claims can cause premature aging! [Russell did live to age 97]), desertion and adultery (which he did not think was grounds for a divorce).  How have social norms and laws around divorce changed since Russell’s time? 

Cheers, 

Colin