Defined Quote by Michele Bachmann
“In 5,000 years of recorded human history... neither in the east or in the west... has any society ever defined marriage as anything other than between men and women. Not one in 5000 years of recorded human history. That's an astounding fact and it isn't until the last 12 years or so that we have seen for the first time in recorded human history marriage defined as anything other than between men and between women.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Marriage, Michele Bachmann, 2015
The quote claims that marriage has historically been defined as a union between a man and a woman for 5,000 years, and only recently has this definition broadened.
In simple terms: Marriage traditionally seen as male‑female union; recent changes noted.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how definitions evolve over time.
Themes
history
tradition
social change
gender roles
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
historical
sociopolitical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- family law reforms
- educational curricula
- media commentary
Key Concepts
heteronormativity
cultural evolution
legal definition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural narratives shape our view of marriage?
- What evidence exists of alternative marital structures?
A Different Perspective
The claim overlooks societies with different marital practices and non‑binary unions.
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