Plenty of the women who were single in the nineteenth century wrote about their desire to evade marriage. Marriage was scary in a lot of ways. It often involved having a lot of kids, losing your autonomy, being in service to a husband and children who were often born at an unremitting pace without the benefit of modern medicine.

Rebecca Traister’s quote reflects on the historical perspective of marriage for women, particularly in the nineteenth century. She highlights that many women in this era desired to evade marriage, as it was often associated with the loss of autonomy and independence. Marriage during this time was not the romantic ideal it is often portrayed as today; rather, it came with significant challenges, including the responsibility of raising numerous children, often at a high personal cost.

Traister underscores the fact that marriage in the nineteenth century was often a sacrifice for women, one that placed them in a subordinate role, serving both their husband and children. The rapid pace of childbirth, combined with the absence of modern medicine, made the experience even more daunting and dangerous. Women often had to endure the physical and emotional tolls of reproductive labor without the resources or support that would make it safer and more manageable.

By mentioning the lack of autonomy and the inherent risks involved in marriage, Traister paints a picture of how women's lives were often constrained by societal expectations of family and gender roles. Her quote points to the historical fact that women's rights and freedoms were greatly limited within the context of traditional marriage, making it a daunting institution for many.

Originating from Rebecca Traister, an author and journalist known for her work on feminism and gender issues, the quote reflects her focus on exploring the complexities of women’s lives throughout history. Traister’s writings, such as in her book All the Single Ladies, delve into the changing dynamics of marriage, singlehood, and women’s autonomy, shedding light on the struggles and societal pressures that women have faced, particularly in historical contexts.