In 1869, John Stuart Mill wrote an essay, The Subjection of Women, to outline the unfair treatment of women in society, marriage and education. Mill desired marriage equality because he believed inequality between the sexes contributed to damaging the image of women in society (Wikipedia, 2015). Mill believed misogynistic views of women in the household persisted since ancient times because society viewed women as subordinates relegated to the role of housewife, while her husband worked to provide for the family (Wikipedia, 2015). Mill’s essay strived to bring public awareness to marriage inequality in order to change the views of females in the household.
“Marriage being the destination appointed by society for women, the prospect they are brought up to, and the object which it is intended should be sought by all of them…” (Mill, 1869, p. 54). Mill begins his essay by discussing the institution of marriage and …show more content…
Women are raised under the unquestioning belief marriage is their only desire and obeying the men in their life is the only way to live. Mill describes the early practice of women being sold or forced, by their fathers, to enter into a marriage without their consent. Women had no rights in regards to marriage, and her father could marry her to anyone he deemed fit to have her hand. The Church later decided a woman’s formal “yes” was required to enter into the marriage contract, but this was a compulsory action, because it was nearly impossible for a daughter to rebel against her father’s wishes. Once a woman was married, her husband had the “…power of life and death over his wife” (Mill, 1869, p. 54). Mill’s essay continues the discussion of the over-reaching rights and laws given to husbands over their wives. Laws governing
“Marriage being the destination appointed by society for women, the prospect they are brought up to, and the object which it is intended should be sought by all of them…” (Mill, 1869, p. 54). Mill begins his essay by discussing the institution of marriage and …show more content…
Women are raised under the unquestioning belief marriage is their only desire and obeying the men in their life is the only way to live. Mill describes the early practice of women being sold or forced, by their fathers, to enter into a marriage without their consent. Women had no rights in regards to marriage, and her father could marry her to anyone he deemed fit to have her hand. The Church later decided a woman’s formal “yes” was required to enter into the marriage contract, but this was a compulsory action, because it was nearly impossible for a daughter to rebel against her father’s wishes. Once a woman was married, her husband had the “…power of life and death over his wife” (Mill, 1869, p. 54). Mill’s essay continues the discussion of the over-reaching rights and laws given to husbands over their wives. Laws governing