Liberalism and Women’s Rights
John Stuart Mill is one of the most significant figures in the history of classical liberal thought, and the argument he makes about women’s rights in The Subjection of Women is deeply rooted in liberal values of freedom, individualism, choice, and consent. Mill denounces the restrictions placed on women’s freedom and argues that gender equality is essential to modern liberal democracy. He successfully proves that liberalism must include women’s rights by arguing that it is…
read analysis of Liberalism and Women’s RightsGender Equality for the Greater Good
In The Subjection of Women, Mill gives several reasons why it is inherently wrong to oppress women, but he also gives a utilitarian argument for gender equality, meaning that he makes a case as to why enhancing women’s rights will benefit society as a whole. This means that it is not only in the interest of women to support gender equality, but of men too. Through focusing on the broader benefits to society that…
read analysis of Gender Equality for the Greater GoodBiological vs. Social Understandings of Gender
In The Subjection of Women, Mill argues that many of the characteristics people claim are a biologically essential part of being female may actually be generated by social conditions. He dismisses the ideas that “feminine” characteristics such as submissiveness, fragility, tenderness, and self-sacrifice have their roots in biology. Distinguishing between the biological and social differences that exist between men and women is a fraught topic within the entire history of the fight for gender…
read analysis of Biological vs. Social Understandings of GenderIntelligence, Reason, and Debate
Although The Subjection of Women covers the issue of women’s rights in general, Mill is particularly interested in the issues of women’s intellect and rational capacity. He notes that women are intelligent and reasonable enough to advocate for themselves, but because they are often prevented from advocating for themselves in the public sphere, he will join the debate in support of women’s rights. Furthermore, he acknowledges that women’s restricted access to education may make them…
read analysis of Intelligence, Reason, and DebateWomanhood as Slavery
The most important symbol in The Subjection of Women is undoubtedly slavery, which Mill uses as a metaphor for the condition of women at the time he is writing. Throughout the book, Mill describes women as existing in a state of “bondage” to men, who act as their “masters.” He emphasizes that women have so few legal rights that they end up effectively enslaved to their husbands, who wield absolute authority and control over…
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