Krauthammer Misreads History

Charles Krauthammer calls same-sex marriage "the most radical redefinition of marriage in human history." Really? Some might say that ending "till death do us part" was more radical. And maybe ending the requirement that the bride promise to "love, honor, and obey." And how about the end of polygamy? Polygamy was probably the most common marital system in the broad sweep of human history, but now it is virtually unknown in the Western world; indeed, ahistorical conservatives warn that allowing two people of the same sex to make a vow of marriage could lead to polygamy.

More currently, I would suggest that the truly radical redefinition of marriage is the revolution over the past generation in the idea that people should marry before they cohabit or have children. Barely a generation ago cohabitation simply wasn't acceptable; now it  is just assumed. Out-of-wedlock pregnancy is celebrated on the cover of People and no one seems to much care. In 2009, for the first time, more 25- to 34-year-olds were unmarried than married. A writer as smart as Krauthammer should be able to see that that gay liberation and gay marriage are a product, not a cause, of the unprecedented redefinition of sex, marriage, and childrearing.

But like socially conservative politicians, Krauthammer is not about to confront his friends, colleagues, and fans by denouncing that radical redefinition of marriage. Sensing discomfort with rapid social changes, he shouts "Look over there!"

Reducing the incidence of unwed motherhood, divorce, fatherlessness, welfare, and crime would be good for society. But it's not easy to figure out what to do. That's why social conservatives point to a real problem and then offer phony solutions.