The History and Demise of Coverture: Understanding the Legal Concept That Subsumed Women's Identities

Coverture was a legal concept that existed in many common law jurisdictions, including England and the United States, until the late 19th century. It held that when a woman married, her identity was subsumed by that of her husband, and she became subject to his authority and control.

Under coverture, a married woman had no legal existence separate from her husband. She could not enter into contracts, sue or be sued, or own property in her own name. All of her rights and obligations were tied to her husband's status and actions. This meant that if her husband died, she would lose all of her legal rights and protections, and would become dependent on her husband's family or other male relatives for support.

Coverture was based on the idea that women were inferior to men and needed to be protected by their husbands. It was used to justify a range of discriminatory practices, including the denial of property rights to married women, the lack of legal protection for battered wives, and the exclusion of married women from certain professions or activities.

In the late 19th century, coverture began to be challenged by feminist activists and reformers, who argued that it was an unjust and outdated practice that perpetuated gender inequality. Many jurisdictions gradually abolished coverture over the course of the 20th century, and today it is no longer a part of the legal system in most countries.