Abstract
Between 1909 and 1929, the Marriage Acts were thoroughly reformed in all Nordic countries. These laws enhanced women’s individual rights and ended a husband’s legal power over his wife. Gender equality—though admittedly based on gender difference—emerged earlier in the Nordic countries than elsewhere in Europe. Secondly, the formation of marriage was reformed. Relationships by blood and marriage were no longer marriage impediments to the same degree as formerly. On the other hand, the minimum age of marriage for women was raised and new medical impediments were introduced. Thirdly, divorce was liberalised and no‐fault divorce was accepted, decades before European nations such as Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany. It is thus justified to talk about the Nordic Model of Marriage. The article focuses on the characteristics of the legislation and of the reform process itself, which included lawyers and politicians, as well as women activists and physicians. It discusses why the Nordic countries took an early lead in adopting marriage law reforms.
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