A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft

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Author Wollstonecraft, Mary, 1759-1797
Title A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
With Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects
Note Reading ease score: 45.6 (College-level). Difficult to read.
Credits This etext was produced by Amy E Zelmer, Col Choat, Sue Asscher
Summary "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" by Mary Wollstonecraft is a foundational feminist text written in the late 18th century. The work argues for the formal education and moral rights of women, presaging modern discussions on gender equality by challenging the societal norms that have historically oppressed women. Through logical discourse, Wollstonecraft posits that women, just like men, are rational beings deserving of opportunities for education and independence, thereby criticizing the prevailing view that women should be confined to domestic roles and subservience. The beginning of this text establishes the author’s passionate view on the conditions of women in society and sets the stage for her arguments against societal norms that contribute to their inferiority. Wollstonecraft opens with an expression of indignation about the education that has historically focused on making women attractive rather than intellectually capable, leading to their degradation. She emphasizes the importance of rationality in moral development and the necessity for women to be educated similarly to men, asserting that without access to education, women will continue to be viewed as inferior and ineffective members of society. This early advocacy for women's rights lays a strong foundation for further arguments addressing personal virtues, societal roles, and moral obligations, ultimately linking women's capability to societal progress as a whole. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class HQ: Social sciences: The family, Marriage, Sex and Gender
Subject Feminism
Subject Women's rights -- Great Britain
Subject Women -- Education -- Great Britain
Subject Women -- History -- 19th century
Category Text
EBook-No. 3420
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jan 8, 2021
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 3164 downloads in the last 30 days.
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