John Stuart Mill’s The Subjection of Women: Analysis
Commentary on John Stuart Mill’s *The Subjection of Women*
This document is an extract from *The Subjection of Women*, an essay written by John Stuart Mill and published in 1869, in collaboration with his wife, Harriet Taylor Mill. The essay was released during the Victorian era, a time when gender roles were rigidly defined. Women were largely confined to the “domestic sphere,” responsible for household chores, while men were expected to work in factories, offices, and other public spaces. Marriage was a societal expectation for middle-class Victorian women, often viewed as a necessity for social and economic stability. Failure to marry often left women with limited options, such as becoming governesses, teachers, or, in more desperate situations, resorting to prostitution. This societal pressure and sexual repression are reflected in literature of the time, such as *Fallen Angel*, *The Angel of the House*, *Jane Eyre*, and *Great Expectations*.
In his essay, Stuart Mill criticizes the legal subordination of one sex to the other. He argues that women lack social representation because they are deemed unfit for such roles. He further contends that women lack freedom because laws are written by men, who have little incentive to challenge the status quo. Drawing influence from Humanism and the Enlightenment, Stuart Mill compares the situation of women to that of slaves, highlighting their status as property of their husbands. He notes that while advocating for women’s education similar to men’s shows promise, access to the same occupations is often denied. Mill observes that many women do not openly complain about their situation because it is considered “impolite.” He asserts that women’s second-class citizenship is a consequence of men’s misuse of power. A woman who complains about abuse from her husband often lacks protection. In this context, Stuart Mill argues that men desire not only the obedience of women but also their affections. Women are raised to believe they are the opposite of men, characterized by submission, and that their opportunities for success are dependent on men. Women are discouraged from engaging in politics and are expected to accept their “natural” condition as mothers and wives.
Key Points from *The Subjection of Women*
Chapter 2: The Laws Governing Marriage
- Marriage is the destiny assigned to women by society.
- Women need their husband’s permission for everything.
- They cannot acquire property on their own because it automatically becomes their husband’s.
- Husband and wife are considered one entity under the law.
- If a woman leaves her husband, he retains custody of the children.
Chapter 3: Occupations for Women Outside of Marriage
- Women are deemed unfit for the same employments as men.
- They are believed to have lesser mental faculties than men in social situations.
- They are considered unsuitable for intellectual pursuits.
- Their primary roles are seen as wives and mothers.
Chapter 4: What Good Would Reform Do?
- Removing prohibitions imposed on women.
- Recognizing women as equal to men.
- Giving them opportunities to seek a wider range of employments.
- Granting them access to a good education.