Women's Liberation Through Liberalism: A Historical Overview

Author(s)	Ms. Amrita Chatterjee
Country	India
Abstract	Liberal feminism, rooted in political and economic liberalism, emphasizes individual rights, equality, and rationality in addressing women’s subordination. Influenced by thinkers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and John Stuart Mill, it advocates for women’s suffrage, education, legal equality, and participation in public life, while challenging the traditional public–private divide that confines women to domestic roles. Although liberal feminism has significantly advanced women’s rights, it has been criticized for focusing primarily on legal reforms and individual autonomy, often overlooking structural inequalities related to class, race, and patriarchy. Despite these limitations, it remains a foundational strand of feminist theory, contributing to ongoing efforts toward gender equality and social justice.
Keywords	Liberal Feminism; Gender Equality; Women’s Rights; Patriarchy; Public and Private Sphere.
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-03

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