The Hidden Rule of Women: A Study of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Understanding of Women

Abstract

<p>This thesis is a response to the contemporary controversy concerning whether Rousseau's view of women is chauvinistic or radical in nature. These critiques remain inadequate guides to a clarification of his view since they disregard the tensions which permeate his perspective and they concentrate, instead, on assessing his treatment of women on the basis of pre-established frameworks of thought. Rousseau presents two arguments: first, he describes women as being powerless and suitable only for a home life; and secondly, he argues that better education ,should be extended to women because this would benefit society. If Rousseau's view is chauvinistic, why would he advocate measures to improve the situation of women and how would this benefit society? Alternatively, if his theory is radical, why would he argue that women be deprived of social power? This thesis will clarify Rousseau's view of women and show that the tension existing in his perspective is caused by his attempt to conceal a special role for women; one which makes them active social participants.</p> <p>This analysis,the~ will examine his perspective on women in:'relation to his views on men and society. Proceding in this manner is beneficial because: it provides a theoretical framework within which his treatment of women can be better understood; and it reveals Rousseau's account of male psychology, and his view of women cannot be understood without this; and it facilitates the comparison of the situation of women and social practices. This comparison is quite significant since it reveals the similarities between the role of women and that of the Legislator, and since it is from these similarities that Rousseau reveals his assertion that women are the actual, albeit covert, rulers of society. Rousseau, however, is not entirely radical; his view of women is radical in its aim, but it remains essentially chauvinistic.</p>