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...