liberalism + feminist thought

  • Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) and Betty Friedan (1921–2006) contributed to feminist thought through liberal philosophy.

  • Shared belief: Rights enjoyed by men should also extend to women, emphasizing equality + individualism.

Mary Wollstonecraft

  1. Key Works:

    • A Vindication of the Rights of Men (1790)

    • A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)

  2. Main Ideas:

    • Advocated for liberty, equality, and education for women.

    • Criticized property laws and hereditary privilege for fostering inequality.

    • Believed education is essential for individual improvement and social equality.

  3. Formal Equality:

    • Stressed the need for women to achieve self-fulfillment and better societal contributions.

    • Advocated for a coeducational school system.

  4. Linked to John Locke:

    • Rights and duties were interdependent but only valid if institutions upheld natural rights.

  5. Views on Gender Roles:

    • Saw marriage and motherhood as important but encouraged women to pursue professions.

Betty Friedan

  1. Key Work:

    • The Feminine Mystique (1963)

  2. Main Ideas:

    • Highlighted "the problem that has no name," addressing the dissatisfaction of suburban housewives.

    • Advocated for a "life plan" to help women balance home and career.

  3. Equality of Opportunity:

    • Demanded legal reforms (e.g., equal pay, maternity leave, access to contraception).

    • Co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966.

  4. Criticisms:

    • Focused mainly on middle-class, white, heterosexual women.

    • Dismissed issues affecting black women, lesbians, and women from minority groups.

  5. Second-Wave Feminism:

    • Credited with energizing this movement but seen as less inclusive compared to later thinkers like bell hooks.

Comparison of Ideas

  • Common Ground:

    • Advocacy for women’s rights and equality in public life.

    • Belief that liberal societies should cater to both men and women equally.

  • Differences:

    • Wollstonecraft emphasized education and morality for women to fulfill rational potential.

    • Friedan focused on achieving societal reforms and addressing systemic barriers to women’s self-actualization.

Exam Tips and Applications

  • Links to Liberalism:

    • Ideas align with liberal values of equality, individualism, and freedom.

    • Both thinkers believed societal progress depended on extending these rights to women.

  • Critique Points:

    • Wollstonecraft’s limited focus on education may appear outdated.

    • Friedan’s neglect of intersectionality limits her appeal to modern feminism.