Mary Wollstonecraft Flashcards
(20 cards)
who was Mary Wollstonecraft and why is she important?
a key figure in classical liberalism and early feminism
what was Mary Wollstonecraft’s main work
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)
when was A Vindication of the Rights of Woman published
1792
when did she live, and what events influenced her
1759-1797; influenced by the American Revolution (1776), French Revolution (1789), and the Industrial Revolution
what was Wollstonecraft’s main liberal claim
Enlightenment values like reason and rationalism should apply to all humans, including women
why did she support classical liberalism
she believed in reason, liberty, and equality - criticised how these were denied to women
what were women denied in 18th century England
- legal protection from violence
- right to vote
- divorce
- education
- rational development
what was the status of married women
- lost legal identity
- couldn’t vote
- had no resources against spousal abuse
what did Wollstonecraft say about government consent
women were governed without their consent - violating liberal principles
what did she argue about female subjugation
it limited the nation’s intelligence, wisdom, and morality by not letting half the population (women) contribute
why did Wollstonecraft stress formal education
without it, individuals couldn’t develop rational facilities or realise their potential
what was the role of education in her liberalism
education should be available to all women and men to fulfil liberal values of reason and autonomy
what did she say about women’s role in their own oppression
women were complicit, desiring marriage and motherhood due to lack of education
what was her proposed solution to women’s role in their own oppression
formal education to empower rationality and reveal the absurdity of illiberal beliefs (like divine right of kings)
how did Wollstonecraft connect feminism to liberalism
by arguing for:
- liberty
- equality
- reason
- consent
- education for all, including women
which revolutions did she support and why?
American and French Revolutions - for advancing liberty and challenging monarchy/ aristocracy
what were Mary Wollstonecraft views on human nature
believed human nature was rational and capable of improvement, and that women, like men, should be educated to develop reason and virtue
what were Mary Wollstonecraft views on the state
the state should promote equality, protect individual rights, and ensure women have the same legal and educational opportunities as men
what were Mary Wollstonecraft views on the economy
- advocated for women’s economic independence
- criticised dependence on marriage for financial security
- supported access to education for women to enable employment
- opposed aristocratic privilege and inherited wealth
- favoured meritocracy and equal opportunity
what were Mary Wollstonecraft views on society
- criticised patriarchal society
- believed women were oppressed by lack of education
- advocated for gender equality and rational thought
- argued society could not progress without women’s rights
- saw marriage as a form of social and legal subjugation
