The Subjection of Women by John Stuart Mill Classical Liberal Philosopher First male feminist Dedicated to his wife, Harriet Taylor Analyzes women’s status and advocated for women’s equality published in 1869 Chapter I Mill disagrees men’s belief: 1. They are superior- it is their station in life to have power, authority and master status over weak species 2. They know the thoughts of women- amatory relations Mill argued for equal rights for women not only as a liberal but also on utilitarian grounds “The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now a chief hindrance to human development” Three Factors in the hindrance of human development 1. Power- husband’s abuse 2. Religion- supposed to be preventing others from being cruel to one another especially in the case against women -“religion of humanity”- directing one’s emotions and desires towards the ideal of the unity of mankind and a respect for the general good 3. Government- particularly the King— supposed to stop the conflict -Constitutional Monarchy, Liberal Democracy Chapter II The Institution if marriage Marriage should let it be a marriage of equality rather than a marriage of obedience Married woman are forced to be at her husband’s side at all times Married women is not allowed to have property Their children will not belong to her and only to him Men is protected by law to do whatever he wants to and with his wife excepting murder. He envision marriage as a social construct based on love, equality, respect and all sincerity. Chapter III Men cannot tolerate the idea of living with an equal Disproves the myth: 1. Women are no capable of ruling or being involved in politics Queen Elizabeth- known as the Virgin Queen and for her reign that is considered to be the greatest in England’s history Queen Victoria- crowned at the age of 18 and at the height of Empire -Despite of the 8 attempts to kill her, her reign lasted for 64 years and is the longest 2. Men are more intelligent than women because of their smaller brain Chapter IV Explains the benefits of equality Liberation of women would benefit both men and women hence society as a whole Education of women would also double “the mass mental faculties available for the higher service of humanity” Men and women would be partners in the higher service of humanity Superiority is not found in birth but by hard work and personal achievement