J.S. Mill's ideas on women's suffrage

J.S. Mill's ideas on women's suffrage. UPSC 2021 Paper 1A - Qn 1e

In the medieval and early modern periods in Europe, the right to vote was severely limited for all people by age, ownership of property, and gender.

Mill tried to reconcile the principle of political equality with individual liberty. Liberty improves the moral and mental powers of human beings. The rights of citizenship, makes individual a social person and gives both political freedom and responsibility. Mill stated that every individual must be allowed a say in controlling the government and thus be allowed to protect his/her interests.

He asserted, that the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community against his will, is to prevent harm to others.  On this basis, Mill demanded women be given the right to vote. He objected to women being prevented by law to compete and contribute to society. In granting the right to vote, Mill hoped that women would be able to bring about legislation to remedy their numerous problems like domestic violence.

He accepted that all citizens, regardless of their status were equal and that only popular sovereignty could give legitimacy to the government.

In the 'Representative Government', Mill commented that differences of sex could not be the basis of political rights. He desired that the subjection of women be ended not merely by law alone, but by education, opinion, habits, and finally a change in the family life itself.

Mill believed that citizens developed intellectual qualities of reason and judgment only through political participation. "Civil participation enhances autonomy and altruism. Mill argued that the policy of a government in franchise reform should be to make participation in political rights the reward for mental improvement.

Bentham says, if women are to have a say in the passage of legislation affecting their happiness, it follows, that they must have a hand in electing legislators. Their enfranchisement follows the utilitarian's greatest happiness principle.

 

 

 

  

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