Mill's Classical Utilitarian Feminism
Abstract
This chapter explores the relationship between classical utilitarianism and feminism in one period of utilitarianism's history. In Section 2.1, the main features of classical utilitarianism are identified and clarified. In Section 2.2, the main arguments of John Stuart Mill's _The Subjection of Women_ are analysed, making explicit their utilitarian basis. In Section 2.3, some criticisms of Mill's utilitarian feminism are examined and evaluated. This chapter's contention is that while utilitarianism provides solid support for feminism, Mill's feminism contains weaknesses.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Philosophical Ethics and Theory
Political Theory and Influence
Feminism
Gender
and Intersectionality
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 27–44
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter