How Did Mary Wollstonecraft's Impact On Feminism

An early feminist and human right’s activist, Mary Wollstonecraft was a trailblazer who believed that it was worth fighting for equality and liberty for women during the Enlightenment. Throughout her life, Wollstonecraft made significant contributions in the fight for women's rights. Her beliefs were heavily influenced by the Enlightenment values of reason, rationality, and individualism. In her books, such as "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman", she articulated her opinions on the role of women in society, and her ideas have had a lasting impact on feminist thought. Through her writings and activism, Wollstonecraft fought for the equality of women in education, society, and marriage.

The first main area in which Mary Wollstonecraft fought

At the time, women were not only denied access to education but were also forbidden to work most jobs, excluded from politics and government roles, and were overall dependent on their husbands or other men. According to Wollstonecraft, this made it impossible for them to live virtuous lives. Wollstonecraft declared that “virtue can only flourish amongst equals…among unequals there can be no society”. She argued that if girls were allowed the same advantages as boys, women would capable workers in many professions. Additionally, she fought for the right of women to own property, make contracts, and earn a separate income from their husbands. Wollstonecraft also wished to see women play a role in government, both as representatives and voters. She asked, “who made man the exclusive judge, if women partake with him the gift of reason?” and also stated, “Women ought to have representatives, instead of being arbitrarily governed without any direct share allowed them in the deliberations of government.” Wollstonecraft argued that if girls were allowed the same advantages as boys, women would be capable workers in many professions. She was concerned that “many women thus waste life away the prey of discontent, who might have practiced as physicians, regulated a farm, managed a shop, and stood erect, supported by their own industry”. Wollstonecraft also fought for women's rights to own property, make

She believed that both men and women were equals and that the husband should not have authority or control over his wife. She stated that “The divine right of husbands, like the divine right of kings, may, it is hoped, in this enlightened age, be contested without danger.” Wollstonecraft advocated for a partnership model of marriage where both parties are equal, and she argued that both men and women should have the right to divorce if they were not happy in their marriages. She also believed that women should have the right to make their own choices and decisions, and she stated "I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves." Besides women being equal in marriage, Wollstonecraft also wanted men and women to be held to the same standards. In her work, she stated “Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will quickly become good wives; - that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers.” Additionally, she believed that both men and women should be held to the same standards in regards to chastity before marriage and commented on the double standard of the