We can't destroy the inequities between men and women until we destroy marriage.

In this quote, Robin Morgan, an American feminist, writer, and activist, argues that the institution of marriage plays a crucial role in perpetuating the inequities between men and women. Morgan’s statement suggests that marriage, as traditionally structured, reinforces gender roles and power imbalances, making it a fundamental barrier to achieving gender equality. By calling for the destruction of marriage, she is critiquing the way this institution has historically placed women in subordinate roles, often limited to domestic duties, while granting men more social and economic freedom.

Morgan’s quote reflects a radical feminist perspective that seeks to challenge societal structures that contribute to the oppression of women. She believes that by destroying marriage, the patriarchal system that upholds male dominance in both the private and public spheres can also be dismantled. In this view, marriage is seen as a social construct that legitimizes unequal power dynamics, which can be difficult to challenge without first addressing the institution itself.

The quote also highlights the broader feminist critique of traditional family structures. For Morgan, marriage symbolizes the larger system of gender inequality that shapes many aspects of life, from the workplace to personal relationships. Her argument implies that real equality between the genders requires not just legal reforms, but a deeper shift in how relationships and power are structured within society.

Ultimately, Robin Morgan’s quote advocates for a complete rethinking of the institution of marriage and its role in perpetuating gender disparities. It challenges the assumption that marriage, as it is traditionally understood, can be a neutral or beneficial institution for all parties. Instead, Morgan urges a radical shift toward a society where gender equality is central to all forms of social organization, including how relationships and families are defined.