The political economy of "marriage for all"

Marriage is an institution that promotes solidarity between two families, gives access to social benefits, and organizes inheritance. Although central, this economic dimension was never at stake during debates on "marriage for all" in France. This article shows that the French government and opponents of "marriage for all" shared the same depoliticized register of discourse, based on class stereotypes and sexual inequalities. It argues that homosexual cultures know in fact various forms of kinship, which both celebrate and question marriage, genealogy, and economic sharing. This complex relation to the norm can possibly tackle the question of marriage beyond tradition, patriotism, and governance for future generations.