Should the State Recognize Marriage?

A Conversation with Professor Tamara Metz

In this episode, I spoke with Tamara Metz, Associate Professor of Political Science and Humanities at Reed College. Professor Metz holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University. Professor Metz has argued extensively that the state should not recognize marriage at all. In her book Untying the Knot: Marriage, the State and the Case for Their Divorce, Professor Metz argues that in a properly liberal state, marriage would be a private institution free from state interference. We discussed liberal theory, the problems with a liberal state’s recognition of marriage, and whether it is possible to separate the state from marriage.