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alanffm's review
4.0
An essential feminist text that outlines the fundamental critique of the first wave feminist movement.
Wollstonecraft's core appeal to the reader is to promote "a revolution" in the manners (and ideology) of 18th century British women. To do this, women must be judged on the virtue of their actions and not on the material vanities that Wollstonecraft so believes dominate female life. Most of the text has to do with why womankind is 'made' susceptible to vanity and what kind of socially enforced patterns breed weak and bitter women later in life. She points towards a male-dominated education system which actively excludes women, and also puts pressure on the institution of marriage which not only completely disempowered women in the 18th century, but taught them that their worth is fundamentally tied to the lives of men.
While the text is far from perfect, I think that fundamentally this is an important book worth reading that is a lot tamer and a lot more reasonable than what the third wave feminism has to offer.
Wollstonecraft's core appeal to the reader is to promote "a revolution" in the manners (and ideology) of 18th century British women. To do this, women must be judged on the virtue of their actions and not on the material vanities that Wollstonecraft so believes dominate female life. Most of the text has to do with why womankind is 'made' susceptible to vanity and what kind of socially enforced patterns breed weak and bitter women later in life. She points towards a male-dominated education system which actively excludes women, and also puts pressure on the institution of marriage which not only completely disempowered women in the 18th century, but taught them that their worth is fundamentally tied to the lives of men.
While the text is far from perfect, I think that fundamentally this is an important book worth reading that is a lot tamer and a lot more reasonable than what the third wave feminism has to offer.
connell98's review against another edition
4.0
Always good to read something in its entirety, especially when you were only exposed to something in excerpts.
Good points, especially for an early feminist piece.
However, Mary, for the love of all that is holy, you did not have be as redundant as you are. Love ya, but omg. Maybe you were repeating for those in the back, but those of us in the front row heard you the first time.
Xoxo
Good points, especially for an early feminist piece.
However, Mary, for the love of all that is holy, you did not have be as redundant as you are. Love ya, but omg. Maybe you were repeating for those in the back, but those of us in the front row heard you the first time.
Xoxo
jayykitty's review against another edition
3.0
I liked a lot of the ideas she presents in this volume, but I have to admit I could feel my eyes glazing over at times. I think a lot of it had to do with the change in language from then to now because it was kind of exhausting trying to figuring out what some of the passages meant. That being said, I don't mind having spent time reading this one.
evacolada's review against another edition
2.0
Ok. I KNOW that this book was super progressive for its time but hear me out. Firstly, from a modern feminist perspective it was absolutely painful to read. Also, I could not stay focused for the life of me - there is only so many times one should reiterate the same point in a slightly different way, and filling 200+ pages was definitely a couple times too many.
kevin_shepherd's review against another edition
5.0
"I do not wish [women] to have power over men, but over themselves." ~Mary Wollstonecraft
Doubly impressive when considered within the context of 18th century sensibilities, Wollstonecraft took on the educational and political theorists who held women in comparative low regard (if not outright contempt).
From a 21st century perspective it is disheartening to see all the similarities. After 230+ years the struggle for equal worth should by now be a historical footnote and not still an ongoing process.
Doubly impressive when considered within the context of 18th century sensibilities, Wollstonecraft took on the educational and political theorists who held women in comparative low regard (if not outright contempt).
From a 21st century perspective it is disheartening to see all the similarities. After 230+ years the struggle for equal worth should by now be a historical footnote and not still an ongoing process.
girlglitch's review against another edition
3.0
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is an incredibly important, watershed work of feminism - the female declaration of independence. Wollstonecraft wishes for women to have power over themselves, and essentially argues that an educated woman, with the power of reason, is a far more productive member of society. "Strengthen the female mind by enlarging it, and there will be an end to blind obedience."
Of course, you have to read this with your historical context glasses on. Vindication was written in 1792, and as such Wollstonecraft's arguments are often steeped in archaic ideals of virtue and the sacred primacy of marriage. Numerous tangents discussing Christian morality and an extensive deconstruction of Rousseau's work often distract from her main premise.
But a shocking amount of her words are still relevant. Her calls for 'a revolution in female manners' can still be heard today, and we still have a way to go till women are truly freed from their gilt cages.
Of course, you have to read this with your historical context glasses on. Vindication was written in 1792, and as such Wollstonecraft's arguments are often steeped in archaic ideals of virtue and the sacred primacy of marriage. Numerous tangents discussing Christian morality and an extensive deconstruction of Rousseau's work often distract from her main premise.
But a shocking amount of her words are still relevant. Her calls for 'a revolution in female manners' can still be heard today, and we still have a way to go till women are truly freed from their gilt cages.