She was born in Spitalfields, London, on 27th April, 1759. A moral and political philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft’s radical critique of the condition of women in modern society, developed some 50 years before the emergence of the female suffrage movement, remains a beacon of early feminist thought.
Her feminism was influenced by Lockean Liberalism, as well as by the democratic radicalism of Rousseau, despite her objections to his exclusion of women from citizenship.
Her feminism was characterized by a profound belief in reason and a humanist commitment to equality and social justice. Her notable publications, including “Thoughts on the Education of Daughters” and “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, echo her vision of a society where the distinction of sex would become irrelevant as women gain access to education.
Mary’s Fundamental Thoughts
Mary said that the moral rejuvenation of society and the happiness of individual women were woven together.
Wollstonecraft’s vision for women was one of independence and rationality. She advocated for women to be trained to become good wives, mothers, and citizens, ruled by reason and characterized by self-command. She said women should not only be granted civil and political rights, but they should also have elected representatives of their own.
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