Marriage in Politics, Politics in Marriage: A Transylvanian Parliamentary Representative's Kinship Networks at Political Turning Points

Abstract

The present study explores the other, less visible facet of marriage and politics, namely the way in which the latter shaped and contributed to the former. Through a close reading of an extensive correspondence kept by Romanian deputy in the Budapest Parliament and his spouse during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the paper offers a glimpse into the domesticity and affection present in the relationship that might have been regarded as a mere pragmatic choice, owing to the fact that it considerably advanced the Romanian politician's career. On the other hand, it looks at how the kinship network established through marriage strengthened and grew even after the politician lost the main link to his in-laws, their daughter. It offers several conclusions that serve to emphasize the need for more in-depth qualitative studies of how kinship and politics intertwined, to the benefit of both fields.