Women's Defense · Criticism of Political and Moral Issues

Author: [British] Mary Wollstonecraft
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, published in 1792, is a classic work by Mary Wollstonecraft, a foundational figure in modern British feminism. It is a great feminist work. In 2005, it was included in the list of 12 influential works in the world, as selected by the renowned British writer Melvyn Bragg, alongside works such as the Bible and On the Origin of Species. The significant impact this book has had on the course of human history is evident. In this important feminist classic, Mary critiques the education system of her time mercilessly, arguing that it places women in a state of "ignorance and servile dependence," which is the root cause of their subjugated social status. She views marriage as a "legalized prostitution" and is deeply troubled by women's willingness to sink into dependence and even servitude. She advocates for equal rights between women and men, calling for women to be granted the same educational, employment, and political rights as men. She believes that to fundamentally improve women's social status, it is necessary to abolish the church, do away with the military hierarchy, and most fundamentally, overthrow absolute monarchy.