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| By Tanu Yadav |
“A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: with Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects” by Mary Wollstonecraft is considered to be the very first work of feminist literature and has inspired generations of feminist scholars. It was written in response to French politician Talleyrand-Périgord’s pamphlet on national education, whose ideas seemed distasteful to Wollstonecraft. The central theme of the book revolves around ‘Education for Women’. She highlights the fact that women have been in a disadvantageous position throughout history due to the lack of proper education. She advocates that the flawed education system which prioritizes superficial qualities like beauty and allure over intelligence and virtue is the major cause of the inherent bias between men and women. Societal expectations force women to focus solely on attributes like attractiveness, elegance, and meekness and it was never considered for them to have rational education.
In the first chapter (page 1-39), Wollstonecraft emphasizes the importance of reason, rationality, virtue and knowledge. She criticizes societal norms and considers them to be the major cause of moral decay. Additionally, she suggests that the antidote to societal problems lies in enlightened progress rather than regressive flights to ignorance.
Chapter 2 (page 40-49), delves into the critique of the conventional views on women, challenging the notion that they are inherently less virtuous. Wollstonecraft argues that virtue should not be relative to gender as both men and women were created by God and they have the same kind of propensity to exercise reason and develop virtue.
In Chapter 3 (page 50-74), Wollstonecraft argues against societal devaluation of women's physical strength. She believes that both the strength of the mind and the physical strength go hand in hand. She warns women not to bind themselves to attributes like beauty and allure as these body-centric attributes foster dependence and limit their potential. To break these shackles, it is important to educate women. Wollstonecraft challenges the idea of sex-specific virtues and advocates for equal principles governing the actions of men and women.
In Chapter 4 (page 75-93), the author contends that the physical and mental inferiority attributed to women is intensified by the sedentary lifestyle imposed upon them by society. Social norms dictate that women are expected to project an image of modesty and chastity to preserve their ‘good reputation’. She contends that genuine modesty can only be achieved through the cultivation of an intelligent mind. Wollstonecraft highlights the importance of REASON but it wasn't considered important for the women to be reasonable. She also points out certain factors that support the growth of virtue, most significantly- the will to fight against adversity. This requires the sacrifice of pleasure which cannot be expected from women because women’s lives as per her era’s societal norms, were centered around seeking pleasure.
She critiques Rousseau's notion of women's innate subordination, emphasizing the importance of women's intellectual development for true independence. Inadequate education has a deep impact on the societal Roles of women. Women's perceived inferiority stems from societal prejudices. In her view, true virtue in women arises from pure motives rather than the pursuit of external validation. Wollstonecraft calls for societal restructuring to ensure women's equality, emphasizing that their development and contributions are essential for the overall well-being of society. She contends that educational opportunities should be extended to women to cultivate their intellect, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the society. She posits that women can play a vital role in advancing knowledge and innovation thereby contributing to collective progress of the community.
Wollstonecraft advocates for a national education system which is a blend of both private and public, believing that private education falls short in fostering proper development. She boldly supports coeducation, arguing it would eliminate early vices and promote equality. Wollstonecraft stresses the importance of knowledge for women, linking it to improved maternal care. She argues that an educated woman is better equipped to make informed decisions regarding the wellbeing of her children, fostering a healthier and more nurturing environment for their growth and development.
However, significant critiques can also be made regarding her work. Wollstonecraft’s overemphasis on patriarchy as a cause of women’s subjugation leads to undermining of other factors like socio-economic conditions. Her ideas were more applicable to middle and upper class women, potentially neglecting the challenges faced by working class women. But as long as societies grapple with the issue of subjugation, Wollstonecraft’s perspective will endure as meaningful and vital.
Thus through her seminal work, the message that Mary Wollstonecraft wanted to deliver was that education is the most important weapon to fight historical oppression and subjugations. It is only through education that they will be able to define themselves and give new direction to their lives, distinct from the narrow routes that society paved for them.
Work Cited
Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: with Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects. T.F. Unwin, 1891.
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