Through centuries and across cultures, women were intimidated and coerced into marriage through horrible means-kidnapping, physical violence, even gang rape. In eighteenth -century England, the doctrine of coverture dictated that a woman had no legal rights within a marriage, other than those afforded her by her husband. Early American laws replicated this idea, and did not change until the 1960's. Before then, most states had "head and master" laws, giving husbands the right to beat their wives and take full control of family decision making and finances, including the woman's own property.
"Through centuries and across cultures, women were intimidated and coerced into marriage through horrible means-kidnapping, physical violence, even gang rape."
These historical practices highlight the brutal methods used to force women into marriage across different societies. Women often had little to no choice, facing severe violence and coercion to conform to societal expectations. "In eighteenth-century England, the doctrine of coverture dictated that a woman had no legal rights within a marriage, other than those afforded her by her husband... most states had 'head and master' laws, giving husbands the right to beat their wives and take full control of family decision making and finances."
Laws throughout history marginalized women's rights, reinforcing male dominance within marriage and stripping women of legal independence until social reforms gained ground in the 1960s.
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