Marriage in Seventeenth-Century English Political Thought

The decline of marriage as a metaphor for political authority is examined in the context of Seventeenth-century thought, highlighting its connection to consent, contract, and divine right absolutism. The shift away from this metaphor during the mid-century aligns with the rise of patriarchalist and social contract theories, which emphasize the role of 'fathers of families' but do not equate political governance with marriage. This study explores how these changing ideas reflect broader transformations in political ideology and authority.