Marriage is the only actual bondage known to our law. There remain no legal slaves, except the mistress of every house

Marriage is the only actual bondage known to our law. There remain no legal slaves, except the mistress of every house

John Stuart Mill, a prominent 19th-century philosopher and advocate for individual liberty, made a thought-provoking statement when he said, “Marriage is the only actual bondage known to our law. There remain no legal slaves, except the mistress of every house.” This statement sheds light on the complex nature of marriage and the power dynamics that can exist within it.

In Mill’s time, marriage was often seen as a legal contract that bound two individuals together, often with the man holding more power and control over the woman. This unequal power dynamic is what Mill refers to as “actual bondage” within the institution of marriage. While slavery had been abolished in many parts of the world by the 19th century, marriage was still a legal institution that could restrict the freedom and autonomy of individuals, particularly women.

Mill’s statement also highlights the role of the mistress of the house, who was often responsible for managing the household and caring for the family. While she may not have been legally considered a slave, the mistress of the house was often subject to the authority of her husband and expected to fulfill traditional gender roles. This lack of autonomy and independence for women within marriage was a concern for Mill, who believed in the importance of individual freedom and self-determination.