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.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Locke’s Political Theory and Social Contract
2.1 Debunking the Myth of Patriarchy on Religious Grounds
2.2 The State and Law of nature
2.3 The Commonwealth
3 The Inequality Between the Sexes
3.1 Conjugal Society
3.2 The Head of the Household
4 Conclusion
5 Works Cited
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines John Locke’s theory of the social contract to reveal a fundamental contradiction regarding his perception of gender equality. While Locke advocates for innate, equal rights and liberty, he simultaneously perpetuates patriarchal structures within the private, conjugal sphere, ultimately prioritizing the man as the final decision-maker.
- John Locke’s political theory and the conceptualization of the social contract.
- The rejection of absolute patriarchal authority based on religious grounds.
- The interplay between the state of nature, property, and individual rights.
- Analysis of conjugal society and the role of the "head of the household."
- Critique of gender inequality within the framework of Locke’s liberal ideology.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 The Head of the Household
Subsuming the aforementioned key points, the man as pater familias has neither monarchical or absolute power over his children (cf. I; 63), for it would mean “there will be as many sovereigns as there are fathers” (I,65) and also that every father would at the same time be subordinate to his father (cf. I; 67, II; 71) nor over his wife, since it would also result in a paradox, as there would be as many monarchs as husbands. Further, the lack of absolute power over any of his family members, is explained by Locke when he argues, that the master of the family has a very distinct and differently limited power both as to time and extent over those several persons that are in it; for excepting the slave (and the family is as much a family, and his power as paterfamilias as great, whether there be any slaves in his family or no) he has no legislative power of life and death over any of them, and none too but what a mistress of a family may have as well as he. And he certainly can have no absolute power over the whole family who has but a very limited one over every individual in it. (II;86)
Once again, Locke shows that monarchical or political power cannot be equalled with, let alone originated from the power relationships of men. Their roles as husbands and fathers as well as masters within the household are limited in both scope and time, for it is solely in force during the process of pursuing their purposes as parents. In addition, men (and women) are free of any interference by the public or the political power in their private realm, since their household counts as property, which is separated from the public. Yet, Locke does indeed highlight, that at certain points conflicts between husband and wife are not inevitable. In this regard, he argues that even “though, they have but one common concern, yet having different understandings, will unavoidably sometimes have different wills too” (II; 82). Thus, conflict of interests may occur in all domains, in the State of Nature, in the commonwealth or any other political society and lastly in conjugal societies as well.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the seventeenth-century political climate and introduces the focus on Locke's social contract and the resulting contradiction regarding gender inequality.
2 Locke’s Political Theory and Social Contract: Outlines Locke's refutation of absolute monarchy and explains his theory of transitioning from the state of nature to a political society.
2.1 Debunking the Myth of Patriarchy on Religious Grounds: Details how Locke uses logic and scriptural analysis to dismantle the argument that absolute power is divinely ordained via paternal roots.
2.2 The State and Law of nature: Explains Locke’s interpretation of natural rights, freedom, property, and the moral constraints that necessitate the formation of a government.
2.3 The Commonwealth: Discusses the formation of civil government through collective consent and the limitations placed upon legislative and executive bodies.
3 The Inequality Between the Sexes: Sets the stage for analyzing whether Locke’s egalitarian principles are consistently applied to his definition of conjugal society.
3.1 Conjugal Society: Defines marriage as a voluntary compact and examines Locke’s transition from the term "paternal" to "parental" power.
3.2 The Head of the Household: Analyzes Locke's justification of the man as the final decision-maker and identifies the resulting subordination of women.
4 Conclusion: Summarizes the paradox in Locke’s work and incorporates feminist critiques regarding the "sexual contract" embedded within his theory of liberalism.
5 Works Cited: Lists the primary and secondary sources used for the analysis.
Keywords
John Locke, Social Contract, Patriarchy, Equality, Liberty, Conjugal Society, Natural Rights, Gender Inequality, Liberalism, State of Nature, Commonwealth, Paternal Power, Sexual Contract, Political Theory, Property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this academic paper?
The paper evaluates John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" regarding the internal consistency of his liberal theory, specifically focusing on the contradiction between his claims of innate human equality and the inequality between sexes in the private sphere.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the social contract, the state of nature, the refutation of absolute patriarchal monarchy, the definition of conjugal society, and the critical analysis of gender roles within Locke's framework.
What is the main objective or research question?
The objective is to expose the contradiction within Locke’s social contract theory, where he justifies subordination of the wife despite his foundational arguments for equal, natural rights.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a text-analytical approach, focusing on Locke's primary writings in the "Two Treatises of Government" and incorporating secondary feminist literature to assess his arguments.
What topics are discussed specifically in the main body?
The main body breaks down Locke's arguments for a consensual government, the distinction between paternal and political power, the definition of the household as private property, and the emergence of gender imbalance.
Which characteristic keywords define this work?
The work is defined by terms such as liberal political theory, gender equality, social contract, natural rights, and patriarchal structure.
How does Locke distinguish between paternal and political power?
Locke argues that paternal power is limited, temporary, and focused solely on the upbringing of children, whereas political power involves a consensual submission to a collective for protection of property and welfare.
Why is the concept of "sexual contract" significant in this paper?
It refers to the critical feminist perspective (Pateman and Brennan) that Locke’s theory relies on an underlying structure that perpetuates patriarchal domination, contrary to the liberal ideal of absolute equality.
How does Locke justify the man as the final decision-maker in the household?
Locke suggests that in cases of disagreement within the conjugal unit, the rule should naturally fall to the husband, whom he identifies as the "abler and stronger," directly contradicting his own egalitarian principles.
- Citation du texte
- Seda Demirkaya (Auteur), 2018, John Locke and the Inequality Between the Sexes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1300304
