“Is not that government then very defective, and very unmindful of the happiness of one half of its members that does not provide for honest, independent women, by encouraging them to fill respectable stations?”

Question

“Is not that government then very defective, and very unmindful of the happiness of one half of its members that does not provide for honest, independent women, by encouraging them to fill respectable stations?”

–Mary Wollstonecraft,
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,
1790

Why does Wollstonecraft consider a government that ignores the happiness of women defective?

It fails to uphold the social contract.
It is not honest or respectable.
It fails to provide for a separation of powers.
It is not democratic, but rather tyrannical.

Answer 1

Wollstonecraft considers a government that ignores the happiness of women to be defective because it fails to uphold the social contract. The social contract is the idea that individuals consent to give up certain freedoms in exchange for protection and benefits from the government. In this case, Wollstonecraft argues that women, as equal members of society, should be able to enjoy the same rights, opportunities, and happiness as men. By excluding women and not providing for their well-being and fulfillment, the government fails to fulfill its end of the social contract and, therefore, is considered defective.

Answer 2

Wollstonecraft considers a government that ignores the happiness of women to be defective because it fails to uphold the social contract. This means that the government is not fulfilling its fundamental duty to protect the rights and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their gender. By neglecting to provide opportunities and support for women to fill respectable positions and lead independent lives, the government is disregarding its responsibility to ensure equality and promote the happiness and fulfillment of all of its members.