The American Founders viewed marriage—which they held to be one of the cornerstones of civil society—as a contract that conferred rights and responsibilities on both parties. Beginning in the 19th century, this understanding of marriage was rejected, first for the Romantic idea of marriage as a status. This change prepared the way for the Progressives, who thought marriage should be managed scientifically by state administrators.

Q & A Session: https://youtu.be/KTPRvm02MQ4