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Mary Wollstonecraft: A Feminist Analysis

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The inequality of women has been a long-lasting issue since its existence, with the issue still persisting today. Women have gained more rights over time in great part to efforts made by feminists, however, much progress still needs to be made. Mary Wollstonecraft, often cited as one of the founding feminist philosophers, is a notable feminist whose advocacy and ideas on femininity have acted as a strong influence for the modern conception of feminism. One of Wollstonecraft’s most prominent works in regards to feminism is A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. In the piece, Wollstonecraft uses and critiques philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s work titled Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, in order to build a case in defense of a woman’s …show more content…

Similarly to with education, Wollstonecraft is a strong critic of Rousseau’s ideas in relation to socialization. It can be inferred from Rousseau’s work that he believes that women are innately subservient as he believes that their central purpose in life is to please men. Wollstonecraft uses Rousseau’s work titled Emilius and Sophia: Or, a New System of Education to exemplify this notion as she mentions two characters from the piece named Sophia and Emilius who abide by stereotypical gender norms (Wollstonecraft, 78). Using these characters, Rousseau attempted to prove that “woman ought to be weak and passive, because she has less bodily strength than man and hence infers, that she was formed to please and to be subject to him” (Wollstonecraft, 78). Although Wollstonecraft agrees with Rousseau that women are biologically not as strong as men, she does not believe that physical strength is a reason for women to be seen as subsidiary to men. According to Wollstonecraft, the systems of education in place perpetuate socialization among the sexes which results in a society in which women are not using their reason while men lack reason. This knowledge brings the importance of education to the forefront as the current educational system is perpetuating inequalities among women by educated youth to conform to the stereotypical gender norms that are brought on by socialization. To combat the negative aspects brought on through the educational system which perpetuates inequalities brought on by socialization, Wollstonecraft calls for an educational system that focuses on understanding rather than one that nurtures sensibility at the cost of understanding (Wollstonecraft, 82). She believes that the current educational system contributes to some women’s dependence on men as due to the amount of time that women have been dependent, “is it surprising that some

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However, Elizabeth Smith points out that Wollstonecraft avoids associating herself with weak women, but she shares the feeling of oppression by men. She strengthens her ethos by being a strong woman who stands up against oppressive men, and she appeals to the emotions of the female audience by the use of first person pronouns. Wollstonecraft wants women to find strength to fight for equality, so she draws the anger from women who feel that men treat them as objects. She then calls for women to stand up for themselves against oppressors because she knows the female audience’s anger encourages women to gain confidence. Thus, Wollstonecraft appeals to the female audience’s emotions with first person pronouns that show how Wollstonecraft experiences the same adversity as all women, but she also strengthens her ethos by distancing herself from weak, submissive women in order to encourage women to join her in the fight to end man’s oppression of

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As a woman striving for intellectual and philosophical pursuits, she challenges the stereotype of women as intellectually “inferior” to men. Moreover, Wollstonecraft strategically employs references to other influential thinkers and philosophers of her time, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. By aligning herself with prominent intellectuals, she positions her ideas within a broader philosophical context, making her arguments appear well-grounded and respected by her peers. This tactic further enhances her ethos and enhances the credibility of her

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Philosophers believed that men act like tyrants and act immature so they need to change their ways. In Document F-1 Mary Wollstonecraft says “But if women are to be excluded, without having a voice, from participation of the natural rights of mankind, prove first, to ward of the charge… there is not a shadow of justification for not admitting women under the same.” Wollstonecraft is fighting for equality, believes the only reason women are not equal is based off of old tradition, and it is time for change.

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In her document she claims that, “Women must be allowed to found their virtue on knowledge, which is scarcely possible unless they be educated by the same pursuits as men”(Wollstonecraft, On National Education). Wollstonecraft dynamically argued that if women had the right to study, they’d be able to prove they aren’t inferior by ignorance and low desires. Despite the fact that these four philosophers had contrasting ideas on how to enhance daily life, they all concentrated the same central idea. They each contributed something unique to their society, which has influenced our daily

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In my opinion, one of the most necessary requirements would be equality for women, no matter the color, religion, etc. In 1792 Mary Wollstonecraft, a writer, philosopher, and women’s rights activist, discussed advice given by a preacher in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. She tells us that this preacher believes that women should be kept on a tight leash and kept close, along with many other dense comments. Mary becomes infuriated by this, and then writes one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. She discusses women deserving an education, and that we should not be treated as ornaments.

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Wollstonecraft had said, “...a profound conviction that the neglected education of my fellow-creatures is the grand source of the misery I deplore, and that women, in particular, are rendered weak and wretched by a variety of concurring causes…’(Wollstonecraft, 1). Between Shelley and

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Wollstonecraft called for women's education that prizes rationalism. The promotion of women's lives, their reason, and human rights. Wollstonecraft maintain. " Persuaded that the heart, as well as the understanding, is opening by cultivation; and by, which may not appear so clear, strengthening the organs (247, NA)". Women's education should promote the cultivation of the physical and mental intellect.

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Concluded, when a woman participates in politics, she finally is allowed to speak freely and embody the needs of women. Wollstonecraft worked arduous on her tasked, however, not everyone sees Mary Wollstonecraft as an important enlightenment thinker . The supporters of this position argued Jean- Jacques Rousseau was a more influential enlightenment thinker and developed better ideas of education than Mary Wollstonecraft. Both of them Wollstonecraft and Rousseau were thinkers about education during the Age of the Enlightenment, but their ideas and beliefs couldn’t be more

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In the book of vindication of the right of a woman, Wollstonecraft brings out clearly the roles of a woman in her society and how it has led to oppression of women (Wollstonecraft 22). Wollstonecraft believes that men and women are equal given the same environment and empowerment, women can do anything a man can do. In her society, education for women is only aimed at making her look pleasing to men. Women are treated as inferior being and used by men as sex objects. Wollstonecraft believed that the quality of mind of women is the same with that of men, and therefore women should not be denied a chance for formal education that will empower them to be equal with men.

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Rousseau states that women should be "passive and weak", "put up little resistance" and are "made specially to please man". Wollstonecraft wonders how someone as Rousseau “lowers his sentiments when describing women and interprets his words as the rationalization that women are in fact, considered either moral beings, or extremely weak that they must be entirely subject to “the supreme faculties of men. Therefore, there is a contradiction in Rousseau’s words, why women should not receive education, if they are equal to

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Throughout this text, Wollstonecraft discusses how close-minded society was about women and equality. She describes society as being under the impression that women and men were two different animals. Society also believed that men were free and logical thinkers that could rule and change society while women were seen as pretty objects that could bear children. Wollstonecraft’s feminist view discusses that the problem was not only men inhibiting women, but women themselves were also not pushing against the ideology that men were superior. She continues to explain her new feminist ideology that discusses changes in society that would create equality.

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From the outset, literature and all forms of art have been used to express their author’s feelings, opinions, ideas, and believes. Accordingly, many authors have resorted to their writing to express their feminist ideas, but first we must define what feminism is. According to the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, feminism is “the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power, and opportunities as men and be treated in the same way, or the set of activities intended to achieve this state”. As early as the fifteenth century is possible to find feminist writings. Centuries later, and although she never referred to herself as one, the famous English writer Virginia Woolf became one of the greatest feminist writers of the twentieth

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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.

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Wollstonecraft wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in response to a report to the French National Assembly, which stated that women should only receive a domestic education (Johnson Lewis). She believed that women needed to be educated in order to find their way to equality with men. Wollstonecraft writes in the introduction: “The education of women has, of late, been more attended to than formerly; yet they are still reckoned a frivolous sex, and ridiculed or pitied by the writers who endeavor by satire or instruction to improve

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Jagger’s (1993) basic philosophy of women’s liberation and equality is followed by liberal feminism today. Liberal feminists maintain that women do not enjoy rights equally as men do that, accept the basic structure of society as it exists today. Wollstonecraft considers that since women’s inferiority is structured on her intellect and anatomy, it is unjust and incorrect. It is based on the inequalities found in the informal and formal laws as well as the inferior education women receive. Of primary concern to liberal feminists is the modification and the more of pre-existing social value.

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