In The Subjection of Women, John Stuart Mill argues that the existing condition of gender inequality is not only fundamentally immoral but also hinders human happiness by its very existence. He claims that men should not have more privileges and power than women, and instead, men and women should be completely equal.Mill asserts that the unfair system of gender inequality wasn't chosen through careful thought, but rather came about due to the "law of the strongest," which benefits those who are physically stronger.

Introduction To The Gender Inequality

In a modern, fair society, Mill believes this cruel system should be dismantled and replaced with structures that help everyone get ahead.People often defend gender imbalance by claiming it is natural, but Mill points out that similar arguments were used to justify slavery, which is now seen as a cruel and evil practice. Another common argument is that women willingly let men rule over them, but this is also untrue, as many women—especially those fighting for the right to vote—are angry about their subjugation.

The Case for Dismantling Gender Inequality

Ending gender inequality, according to Mill, would not only improve life for women but would also benefit society as a whole. Gender injustice, he argues, is a pressing issue because it corrupts society and undermines the essential moral ideals of justice and equality. Despite the many obstacles they face, women have made important contributions to society, often in secret. Mill laments, however, that women tend to follow societal norms and sometimes even criticize their husbands for being publicly active in causes for equality.

The Benefits of Ending Gender Inequality

Some people argue that a woman’s natural role is to be a wife and mother, but if this were true, Mill suggests, women wouldn't need to be forced into these roles. He contends that married women are essentially slaves to their husbands, who often hold complete control over them. In most places, women cannot own land or be the guardians of their own children, even if their husband dies. Divorce, for a long time, was either not possible or too expensive for most women, trapping them in these oppressive marriages.

The Role of Women in Family and Society

Mill speculates that if women received better education and more power in society, they might be more creative and effective in all areas of life, including marriage. Women would push their husbands to improve rather than holding them back. Without gender injustice, marriage could resemble a friendship between equals, where both partners could argue and learn from each other's differences. However, Mill acknowledges that for many, the idea of a marriage between true equals is still difficult to comprehend.

Marriage and Equality

Men who have power over women often don't have to prove they deserve it and can take advantage of their position. Some argue that each family needs a boss, just like society needs a government, but Mill warns that despotism exists within families just as much as it does in politics. Instead of being a place where individuals learn about freedom, liberty, respect, and equality, the family can become a place where the opposite values are taught.

Unquestioned Power and Despotism in Families

Men often don't want to feel like they are controlling women, so they teach women to think or act as though they are content with being controlled.Everyone in modern Europe agrees the best way to run society is through individual freedom and competitive democracy, allowing individuals to focus on activities they enjoy and excel at. However, it is impossible to say which gendered traits are biological and which are socially constructed, because no one has been raised in a society free from these biases. The vast difference in power makes it difficult for men to truly understand women.

The Problem of Women's Subjugation

If there is anything vitally important to the happiness of human beings it is that they should like what they habitually do.

He observes that women still face much abuse in public life because most men do not want to view women as equals. As a result, many jobs go to men who aren't as qualified as women might be. In a competitive democracy, women shouldn't have to prove their competence ahead of time; simply getting the job would show they are capable. Women may not seem as intelligent or skilled as men, but this is likely due to their lack of access to education. Historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I and Joan of Arc prove that women are more than capable of leading.

Women's Exclusion from Public Life

Women are known for having strong perception which he attributes to their lack of formal education, forcing them to rely on intuition rather than learned knowledge.The negative stereotype about women such as their supposed nervousness or fragility are likely the result of the dangerous and restrictive conditions they have had to endure.Women don't have the same time or money to devote to personal interests, which is one reason there have been fewer female stars in thought, science, or art. Often, women need a man's help to get their work published, and the man receives or takes all the credit.

Stereotypes and Social Barriers for Women

Despite this, neither men nor women often complain about the status quo. When women do speak out, they tend not to blame men directly, possibly because doing so would lead to too many negative consequences. Mill calls for men to join the fight for women's rights, arguing that women are taking too many risks by fighting alone.

The Status Quo and Silence of Women