Mary Wollstonecraft was a writer who was an advocate for women and wrote one of the first feminist works. When the world was telling women they were not important, Mary Wollstonecraft wanted women to know that they are more than a wife to a man. In 1792, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman was released. Chapter six of this book focuses on the education of women and how it affects them in many aspects later in life. Mary Wollstonecraft argued that from the start, education for a woman is very different compared to a man. This is because eighteenth century society made women feel like they had to be nothing but a pretty face. Throughout history we are supposed to believe that a man is the one with the brains, and the woman is just the beauty behind the man, almost like property. Throughout this reading we explore the differences in women’s education, how both sexes are viewed differently in society, how the individual looks at one self, and the connection to Letters written in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
After reading both of Mary Wollstonecraft works I learned that she was strong advocate for women’s rights and was a great model for breaking the norm. In Letters written in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark we get a look into her journal and the great travels she encountered in each country. When first reading into the book it felt like she was just talking about what she saw in her travels, but I had to really look into it with a fine-tooth comb. I realized her writing actually does have a lot of depth, and she discusses important issues we face in society.
There was a very interesting quote in Letter 3, Wollstonecraft said: “Still the men stand up for the dignity of man by oppressing the women.” I thought this was very challenging to think that a man will stand up for a man while putting down a woman. This shows how unequal society viewed the genders. I think this is also clear in Vindication of the Rights of Woman, men often only look for beauty in women. Men are taught that in society a woman is nothing more but his property or a “note-able housewife” (this is a term Mary Wollstonecraft used). Women are only interested in a man who is a gentleman, again not interested in knowledge. Wollstonecraft said: “..a gentleman-like man seldom fails to please them, and their thirsty ears eagerly drink the insinuation nothings of politeness..” Women are only concerned with being charmed, women are never taught that they should look at men more critically or as Wollstonecraft said: “were women more rationally educated, could they take a more comprehensive view of things they would be contented to love but once in their lives; and after marriage calmly let passion subside into friendship…”. She stresses it is important for women to look beyond the charmer, and to look at the mind that man possess.
In Letter 19, she said: “Still harping on the same subject, you will exclaim—How can I avoid it, when most of the struggles of an eventful life have been occasioned by the oppressed state of my sex? We reason deeply when we feel forcibly.” I believe this is the moment she really expresses that society puts women in a box, they are meant to feel, act, and be a certain way. She further goes into this in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. As stated, “Education thus only supplies the man of genius with knowledge to give variety and contrast to his associations, but there is an habitual association of ideas, that grows with our growth…” These two direct quotes showed us how society and education will not expose women to new ideas. Ideas are so important to the mind, it can make you explore yourself and the world. When you have one simple idea it can make your mind do such powerful things. For some reason women were not exposed to such, they were kept like children, unknown of the whole world around them. Could it be that society and the man was to afraid to find out what the women’s mind can do? Were they afraid women would become superior? Women are persistent, strong minded, smart, and it seems to me the world was not ready for the great things a women’s mind can do. Only men were able to explore and learn new and enticing ideas.
It was interesting to read that many of the people Mary Wollstonecraft encountered were more interested in showing of their money rather than their knowledge, she also stated that education was not really paid attention to. I found this to be very alarming; your charm, money, wit can only take you so far in this world. It is important that all children are taught the appropriate education from a very early age. It is extremely important that women get the same education and respect that man get. I do feel like in present times we are much more equal than Mary Wollstonecraft times. But let’s be real, it is not one hundred percent. Society needs to keep moving forward and to see how important a women’s mind is to this world.
Questions:
- In today’s society are women still treated differently than men in an education standpoint? Why or why not?
- Does society still look at women as a “child-like” figure?
- What was the purpose of Mary Wollstonecraft letters?
In today’s society, it depends on where you go. In some places and in some fields, women are still treated differently in the sense of less in education and academia. Usually, in these cultures, women are seen as having other jobs, usually domestic or more practical in nature, who don’t belong in intellectual discourse. However, in some of the places they are not considered to be “less”, they are considered “disadvantaged” and thus given special recognition and extra resources to help even the recognized historically uneven playing field.
As viewing female as childlike goes, see the above answer, it’s about the same–it depends on the culture and their views on a woman and her place in society, her functions and duties, the limit of her abilities shaping as a result of these.
With my bias, I can say that yes women are still treated differently from men in our world society. Even though we can say that many countries have improved, there is still some division between the sexes. I myself have noticed how unfair I could be in terms of what I talk to my sister about and what I think she can or can’t do, those things are totally different to when I interact with my brother. But in terms of education, I would say that in this country we have can see the dominance women have over the student population, I have many classes where the majority of the students are women. But even though a lot of women attend college there is a noticeable amount of unfairness. We see how women aren’t really supported in certain educational majors, like for example STEM and Business.
American society does seem to view women as a childlike figure, our culture automatically assumes that women are dependent on a man. I’m guilty of this because as I mentioned before I have 2 siblings and I tend to always assume that my sister always needs help with everything as if she can’t do things on her own no matter how minor or major it is. I’ve obviously changed these habits, and we see nations around the world change their cultures. Like for example, Latin America is beginning to really develop a sense of respect and importance towards women, by changing their sexually orientated view of women. I attended a military school in Honduras and I remember never seeing a woman throughout the school semesters but now it’s head principal it’s a woman, they began to admit females, and all the boys have to take a course where they speak to their female counterparts about what things make them uncomfortable and vice-versa.
This was really fun and enjoyable to read, I really appreciate how you expressed your opinion about a “touchy” subject (For me because I’m a male) subject in such a simple way. I felt extremely comfortable reading it and your ideas made me question my actions and helped me come up with solutions. Thank you.
I agree with Ariella, in saying that men and women may be treated differently from an education standpoint depending on where you go. I sometimes notice that women are held to a higher standard when it comes to academics, but this has varied depending on who you ask. I do not think that women are looked at as childlike figures in society. I feel like women are very empowered and make great strides in society every day.
Nowadays women and men are still treated different depending on the country or city. In some 3rd world places women are still related to the house and family. This is can be influenced by religion, education, or misogyny. However, in other places women are valuable and respected as men. For instance, in America a women can be self-independent and successful at the same time; and everyone respects this. In other places like Jordan this wouldn’t be possible because there’s no gender equality for women.
American women in the 1830s rejected a government that don’t treat men and women equal. American women in the 1830s to the 1850s fought for the rights of equality for women and slaves. I believe that women are treated equal in America. For example, Hillary Clinton was believed to be the first women president of U.S. Also, all surveys companies showed that Hillary was most likely to win the elections. Therefore, I don’t believe our society treats women as a chil-like figure.
I think Wollstonecraft’s letter purpose was to record her improvement step by step until she was recovered.
Does society still look at women as a “child-like” figure?
I feel like society does have a tendency to look at women as a child like figure. Many times I’ve come across a scenario with either a male or female where they have treated me like I’m a young child. I notice this doesn’t happen intentionally, but I’ve realized this happens for a number of reasons. This has happened to me by male colleagues in a few different jobs I’ve had as well as with people I meet or in my personal circle. When dealing with male colleagues, I notice they have a tendency to respond as if I’m a young child, unfamiliar with the world around me and unable to do things. They have a tendency to make certain comments that show me they are leaning in that direction in terms of their view of me, until we speak more and they realize that I have done more than what they’d expect a typical female to do.
Also, I’ve noticed this while with my boyfriend when we are outside speaking with another male that is usually older than me. Usually a typical scenario would be where I am with my boyfriend and we start conversing with someone else, usually an older male–they have a tendency to speak to him more and respond to him rather than me. A lot of the times, things I’ve said go unnoticed. This mind boggles me, as usually in a scenario like this, I usually have a decent amount of knowledge on the subject because of personal experience, but the person would be too reluctant to hear what I have to say, or just respond with a closed ended response or they confirm what I’ve said with my boyfriend as if I wasn’t standing there. This happens in more than one scenario. I have also come across women who’ve acted this way towards me also. Usually from my experience, when another women disregards another female and treats them like a young child whom they cannot consult with about issues they’d like to, it’s because they are used to a male dominated society and/or household and have subjected themselves to that kind of thinking regarding themselves also.
In today’s society are women still treated differently than men in an education standpoint? Why or why not?
I feel like now woman are still treated differently than men in an education standpoint as far as they expect a lot from women. Women are more expected to go to college, maintain a degree if not several, and have a career that way. YES in this generation you will most likely need to attend college for a career, but is is less expected from a guy. Example: more woman tend to become teachers than men. You need a masters ( In NYC). Most guys want to become a cop, a firemen, something more “manly.” If society looked at a woman as a firefighter or sanitation worker, they would look at her below the teachers position because that is a manly job, and you do not need as much college for those careers. You need a hs diploma, and to become a cop you now need 60 credits of college. Back then it was way different, but it is still expected today more females to go to college and get an education, where as lot of men can get by without it based on the “manly” career which doesnt require alot of career education.