Mary Wollstonecraft

Question 1

Who was Mary Wollstonecraft?

Answer 1

Mary Wollstonecraft developed many of Locke’s ideas. Her main publication was ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ 1972, which is strongly linked to feminist ideology.

Question 2

Which type of liberal was Mary Wollstonecraft?

Answer 2

Mary Wollstonecraft was a classical liberal.

Question 3

What was Mary Wollstonecraft’s view of human nature?

Answer 3

Mary Wollstonecraft believed that women are human, humans are rational and so women are rational also.
(thus deserve equal rights with men)

Question 4

What was Mary Wollstonecraft’s view of the state?

Answer 4

Mary Wollstonecraft believed that the monarchical state should be replaced by a republic which enshrines women’s rights
(ensuring women have greater freedom and equality of opportunity)

Question 5

What was Mary Wollstonecraft’s view of society?

Answer 5

Mary Wollstonecraft believed that society ‘infantilised’ women
(thus stifled female individualism, prevented freedom)

Question 6

What was Mary Wollstonecraft’s view of the economy?

Answer 6

Mary Wollstonecraft believed that the state should provide women with the right to property and the right to work
(women would not need to marry out of financial necessity giving them greater freedom)