Focusing mainly on Locke’s chain of arguments in his Second Treatise, this paper aims at breaking down the key points of his social contract theory to eventually point out the contradiction that obscures his ideas of equality and liberty. For this purpose, firstly his theory of social contract will be presented. Subsequently, his arguments regarding the relationship between the sexes in the private realm will be examined for Locke’s adherence to his own principles which form his theory on the whole. The body of literature which will be used consists primarily of John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government. However, secondary literature reflecting and discussing gender inequality in Locke’s work will also be provided in order to gain an insight into the key findings and interpretations of feminist scholars. […]
Though, in his writings, Locke conceptualized and constituted overarching liberal principles in different yet intertwined fields, such as epistemology, education, ethics and politics, the fundamental elements of the latter are at length conflated into this theory of social contract that he introduced in his work, Two Treatises of Government. Therein, the essential principles liberty, equality and property run like a thread and are discussed as innate and natural rights which ultimately need to be granted and protected by a government. Eventually, it was Locke’s concept that has laid the foundation for the construction of a state system and the development of political freedom and economy of the present. However, the interpretation of Locke’s concept as liberal seems to run afoul, particularly when one takes into account his conceptualization of the inequality between sexes within the conjugal society. Starting with his claim of innate and equal rights, the basic scaffolding of his contractual framework and its “egalitarian- individualistic justification of government” (Rosenzweig 2012) indicate a contradiction within Locke’s own line of argument, which in particular and due to its lingering perpetuation of patriarchal structures, is largely discussed between the ranks of feminist scholars.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Locke's Political Theory and Social Contract
- Debunking the Myth of Patriarchy on Religious Grounds
- The State and Law of nature
- The Commonwealth
- The Inequality Between the Sexes
- Conjugal Society
- The Head of the Household
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines John Locke's social contract theory and its implications for gender equality. It aims to uncover the contradictions in Locke's arguments, particularly those that perpetuate patriarchal structures within conjugal society.
- Locke's social contract theory and its underlying principles of liberty and equality.
- The role of the state of nature and the law of nature in Locke's political philosophy.
- The concept of conjugal society and its implications for gender relations within the private realm.
- The tension between Locke's commitment to equality and his views on the inequality between the sexes.
- The critical analysis of Locke's work by feminist scholars and their interpretations of gender inequality in his writings.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces Locke's work in the historical context of 17th century England, highlighting the shift in political and philosophical ideology towards the concept of social contract theory. It also sets the stage for the paper's focus on the contradictions between Locke's ideas of equality and his views on gender inequality. The second chapter delves into Locke's social contract theory, outlining his refutation of the divine right to rule and his arguments for natural rights and the voluntary formation of society. This chapter presents Locke's three-step process of transitioning from the state of nature to a political state through a social contract.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the key concepts of social contract theory, natural rights, liberty, equality, gender inequality, conjugal society, patriarchal structures, feminist scholarship, and the works of John Locke and Sir Robert Filmer.
- Quote paper
- Seda Demirkaya (Author), 2018, John Locke and the Inequality Between the Sexes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1300304