Agnes S. Arnórsdóttir:
"Legal or illegal marriage in the Middle Ages: A question of definition?"

In this article the question of what constituted legal marriage in the Middle Ages is discussed. It is argued that the acceptance of Christian marriage doctrine did not simply replace the older understanding of the kin-based marriage contracts. The change in medieval marriage was a slow progression towards the Christian model, which at the same time retained many aspects of the secular model. First we do find the acceptance of new marriage liturgy and legislation, later the internalisation of new Christian norms occurred. There existed thus different interpretations of what constituted legal marriage, which are more generally sign of sexual control. This control was not only related to the making of marriage contracts, but also to governing sexual behaviour before and during marriage. The couple, who had become the main subject of marriage, should love each other as well as their God. The meaning of marriage thus became a personal matter, not only a contract involving wealth and social alliances. This did indeed effect both relationships between the sexes, and the understanding of gender roles. Virginity became a highly regarded virtue for men and especially women, and adultery was not only a sin but became also a crime.