On Liberty and The Subjection of Women
The concepts of liberty as well as feminism or women’s equal rights have long gained undeniable significance among people and the society in general. The seriousness of their qualities and relevance of their implications speak of their need to be conveyed to people. The thought that one’s freedom is not upheld and that subjection results to violation of women’s equal rights are considerable factors which maintain the need for them to be literary presented.
This is because in doing so, the public will be reminded and made to realize of the need for them to be adhered always. A successful illustration of the above principles was successfully made by John Stuart Mill with his “On Liberty and the Subjection of Women, Being the most powerful English-speaking philosopher during this time, Mill imparted to his readers and the people of nineteenth century up to the present of the need to dispute beliefs which go against what are essentially true and accepted.
This is because of the author’s conviction that a person’s liberty and a woman’s ability must be respected and recognized at all times. Although previously written and published separately, Mill’s “On Liberty” and “The Subjection of Women” have proven to be two effective foundations of liberalism and fair treatment. As an extraordinary philosopher, Mill not only defied the ideas of his period but eventually offered the public with more logical and acceptable thoughts which he also was able to defend and champion.
Hence, the combined two literary works gave powerful and articulate indication of the aspirations and concerns of Victorian England and ultimately provided a sharp reflection of the true meaning and significance of liberty and appreciation of women’s rights and skills. In particular, the belief on one’s innate independence within the framework of Mill’s thoughts of the past and the government was explored in “On Liberty. ” It held on the standard that society evolves and advances from starting from lesser levels until it reaches its superior phases.
When the stage of social equity and democracy is arrived at only then the search for materialization of a liberal or free system is achieved and concluded (Mill, 2006). Taking into consideration the various forms and manifestations of liberty, “On Liberty” paved the way for vital thought and impression that the right to freedom, both by a individual and the society, is relevantly important and guarantees their consequent development. Achieving such condition requires the well-representation of the rights and interests of both the majority and minority.
This is supported by an argument that freedom is put to a risk if suppression of the rights and views of the marginal group happens (Mill, 2006). “The Subjection of Women” on the other hand, is very evident with its idea. That is, it emphasizes the significance of fairness particularly concerning the promotion of the privileges and abilities of woman. Serving as the breakthrough in the fight against oppression of women’s rights, this work firmly maintains that women must be equally recognized for their social, political and domestic rights.
Mill specifically disputed that women must not be subjected as the weaker sex and there is not truth that they are inherently inferior compared with men hence should be fairly allowed to do things that they are capable of (Mill, 2006). In coming up with “The Subjection of Women,” Mill is to be acclaimed for being the first man to dispute in support of women’s interest. This work powerfully manifested the harm of subjecting women to prejudices but most importantly, the need and benefit of providing women with equal recognition as regard their worth in their family and society.
It is also in this piece that Mill has proven his being a utilitarian as he showed trust in promoting the universal good. Forbidding the potentialities and apparent contributions of women, as the other members of the society, definitely go against what is commonly upright. Despite distinctions, the two works advocated faithfulness to liberty as well as respect of women’s rights and capacities and it is for these reasons that they must be acclaimed. Reference Mill, J. S. (2006). On Liberty and the Subjection of Women. New York, NY: Penguin Classics.
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