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John Locke Women's Rights Analysis

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John Locke Women's Rights Analysis
After careful re-reading and deliberation of Chapter V “Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty by the Subjection of Eve” in John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government, I argue that John Locke is a feminist. Locke acknowledges Eve’s – who serves at the representation of all women – important biblical recognition, confesses to her Dominion over mankind, gave her equal authority, if not more, over children, and briefly addresses her power to access property. Although economic free is beyond the scope of this paper, Locke illuminates all characteristics of modern-day feminism in the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

Locke recognizes both subjects by placing man and woman under equal footing in the scripture Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother, while criticizing Filmer’s complete ignorance of Thy Mother. There are numerous quotations in the First Treatise where Locke praises and supports Eve through text and scripture. “It is false that God made that Grant to Adam, as soon as he was created, yet it is plain it could not be spoken to Adam till after Eve was made,” pg. 152. Moreover, the scripture says And God Blessed them, and God said unto them, be Fruitful and Multiply, Locke interprets them by including Eve and Adam. Admittedly, Locke entertains the counterargument that suggests
…show more content…
women are controlled by and limited to their biology. Locke has an undeniable leaning that implies women should have control over her own body, not society or men. In the context of begetting children and the Curse, pain and suffering during childbirth, Locke believes women can partake in solutions. “… She should bring forth her children in sorrow and pain, if there could be found a remedy for it, which is also a part of the same curse upon here,” pg. 173. According to Locke, women are rational beings, and if permitted by medical and technological

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