The Subjection of Women

"Was there ever any domination which did not appear natural to those who possessed it?" – John Stuart Mill

1. The Historical Weight of Women's Subjugation

John Stuart Mill begins by highlighting the historical roots of women’s subjugation. He explains how entrenched traditions, rather than natural laws, defined women’s roles in society. These roles restricted them to domestic spaces, perpetuating a system of inequality through generations.

Mill asserts that this inequality wasn’t born out of men’s innate superiority over women but arose from societal customs that gave men power. Over time, these customs hardened into laws and expectations that controlled women’s lives. For instance, education for women was limited, and societal norms reduced their ambitions to being wives and mothers, depriving them of broader opportunities.

He also examines religious and cultural influences that justified inequality. Scriptural interpretations often reinforced men’s dominance, framing women as naturally subordinate. Mill argues such justifications lack evidence and remain untested—they are theories shaped by those in power for their convenience.

Examples

• Women in 19th-century England were legally subordinate to their husbands in property rights.
• Cultural expectations made women prioritize family duties over education or personal growth.
• Religious doctrines often portrayed men as leaders and women as helpers, endorsing subjugation.

2. The Myth of Natural Inferiority

Mill explores the belief that women are biologically less capable than men. He deconstructs this argument, asserting that society’s biases, rather than inherent ability, are responsible for the disparity in what women achieve.

He notes that women are often excluded from opportunities to prove their abilities. Without access to the same education, economic independence, and legal rights, women are unfairly labeled as inferior. Mill urges society to consider that men’s and women’s differences stem from environmental, not biological, factors.

Mill goes further to challenge this imbalance, advocating for a societal experiment in equality. He suggests that only when men and women are given an equal platform can anyone claim to understand their respective capabilities. Until then, beliefs in natural inferiority are baseless assumptions.

Examples

• Lack of access to higher education significantly limited Victorian women’s intellectual opportunities.
• Mill highlighted that differences in professions were due to lack of access, not willingness or ability.
• The exclusion of women from voting was seen as proof of their inferiority, despite having no evidence.

3. Individual Liberty as a Foundation

Mill’s philosophy builds on the principle of individual liberty, which he argues should be equally applied to both genders. Restricting women’s choices in life contradicts the fundamental belief in personal freedom, Mill contends.

He advocates for women to decide their own paths—whether in marriage, family life, or careers. Freedom of choice is essential for personal happiness and societal progress, ensuring that every individual contributes fully to their community.

This idea challenges Victorian norms, where women’s choices were often dictated by social expectations or controlled by their husbands. Mill’s argument brings to light how liberation of women is an extension of his broader views on liberty.

Examples

• Victorian women couldn’t own property independently; their husbands controlled it.
• Marriage was often a societal obligation for women, leaving them with little choice.
• Lack of professional opportunities further suppressed women’s agency.

4. Marriage and Mutual Respect

Mill envisions marriage as a partnership built on mutual respect, rather than economic dependency or inherited roles. He critiques the common view of marriage in his time, where women were expected to provide household labor and bear children with little reciprocity.

He suggests equal partnerships can improve relationships and society. Without financial reliance on men, women could engage in more fulfilling relationships while contributing equally as partners. Marriage, then, should move beyond power imbalances and become a union based on affection and collaboration.

Mill’s idea of equality in marriage foreshadows modern values of shared responsibilities and partnership dynamics.

Examples

• Victorian-era marriages locked women in subordinate roles with no autonomy.
• By envisioning a collaborative marriage, Mill aligns with later feminist ideals of equity.
• Partnerships in which both parties can speak freely strengthen familial bonds.

5. Economic Independence

Economic independence is key to women’s liberation, Mill argues. Without financial autonomy, women cannot achieve genuine equality. He critiques a system that traps women in dependency, denying them access to the workforce or education.

By supporting women’s right to work and own property, Mill connects economic independence with dignity and self-worth. This idea undermines the belief that women can rely on men for protection and provision, advocating instead for women to have control over their own lives.

Mill recognizes that women’s economic progress would also help society by diversifying workplaces and industries.

Examples

• Victorian women had limited legal rights to property and earnings.
• Economic dependency often forced women to stay in abusive marriages.
• Women’s participation in the labor force enriches economic growth.

6. Education as a Path to Freedom

Mill emphasizes that education is paramount for women’s empowerment. Denying women education keeps them trapped in ignorance and unable to fight for their rights or imagine a better life.

He argues that educating women doesn’t just benefit them but raises the intellectual and moral standards of society as a whole. Mill outlines how access to equal education would create stronger partnerships, as women could contribute more meaningfully to family and public life.

Education, in Mill’s view, acts as a gateway to autonomy and opens up greater possibilities for women.

Examples

• Limited formal education confined Victorian women to domestic lives.
• Countries with higher female literacy rates show faster progress on equality.
• Educated women contribute to global advancements in science, art, and governance.

7. The Rights of All

A broader theme in Mill’s argument is that women can no longer be seen as a separate class. Their rights are human rights, and their freedom impacts everyone in society.

Denying women a voice, representation, or independence limits human development. Mill asks men to imagine their own lives constrained by the restrictions imposed on women. By doing so, he aims to inspire empathy and activism for change.

Mill connects this idea to his broader goal: a healthier, just society where every individual thrives.

Examples

• Men like Mill himself supported women’s suffrage out of ethical principles.
• Advocacy for women’s equality paralleled other 19th-century social movements.
• Women in leadership roles can drive progressive societal changes.

8. The Need for Legal Reform

Mill stresses the need for legal reforms to address inequality. He points out that cultural norms alone can’t shift without changes in law to challenge entrenched traditions.

He advocates for legal measures such as granting women property rights, access to education, and suffrage. Mill understands that without legal equality, societal attitudes are unlikely to change.

Laws shape expectations, and removing discriminatory laws can open the door to equal opportunities.

Examples

• The Married Women’s Property Act of 1870 began to reflect Mill’s ideas.
• Legal barriers like voting restrictions kept women powerless for decades.
• Even today, legal reforms influence perceptions of gender roles.

9. Experimenting with Equality

Mill’s most thought-provoking idea is his call to test equality itself. He argues that societies assume superiority without evidence—failing to even try systems based on equality and fairness.

By letting women participate fully, society could discover benefits like richer intellectual contributions and fairer governance. Mill’s proposal to “experiment” forces his readers to confront their own biases.

He believes this approach will offer undeniable proof of the positive impact of gender equality.

Examples

• Women’s suffrage movements became experiments in political equality.
• Inclusion of women in various industries has led to innovation and growth.
• Nations with greater equality now rank higher in social happiness indices.

Takeaways

1. Advocate for policies and education systems that promote gender equality as a universal human right.
2. Reflect on biases in society and experiment with inclusive practices to discover untapped potential.
3. Support initiatives addressing financial independence for women, such as equal pay and access to the workforce.