Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) 

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Pioneer of Feminist Thought

 

 

Who Was She?

 

Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights. She lived during the Enlightenment and is considered one of the founding figures of modern feminism.

 

 

Key Work:

 

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)

In this groundbreaking book, Wollstonecraft argued that women are not naturally inferior to men but appear so only because they lack education. She demanded equal rights and opportunities for women, especially in education and civic life.

 

 

Core Ideas:

 

• Women should be treated as rational beings.

• Education is the path to equality.

• Marriage should be a partnership of equals.

• A just society must include women as moral and political agents.

 

 

Legacy:

 

• Inspired later feminist movements.

• Influenced philosophers, writers, and political thinkers.

• Mother of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.

 

 

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