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Unit 13: John Stuart Mill: His Life and Theory of Liberty

labour, the family as an instrument of change, equality and self-worth in family and sexual Notes
relationships, freedom of choice for women, and the reasons for women’s subordination and
oppression. Mill was the first to apply public principles of justice and equality to the private
realm of the family, which he characterized as a “sympathetic association” and the very
foundation of a just and equitable society. Being an association of equals, it had to reflect true
equality.
• In the Principles, Mill clearly stated that for ending sex and class oppression, paternalistic
structures had to be replaced by responsible self-governments. Paternalism, for Mill, was
illicit and pre-modern. He was sure of the benefits of public involvement, and rightly pointed
out that women languishing in privacy threatened the very spirit of public integrity. Equality
within the family would lead to a better and responsible society. It would also eliminate the
evils of an hierarchical, patriarchal family system, like selfishness, domination, injustice,
unfairness and male-centredness, and contribute to a better and proper development of
children. Mill, like Wollstonecraft, rejected the natural distinction between men and women
and dismissed women’s nature as an artificial thing, a product of what he described as
“forced repression in some directions, unnatural stimulations in others”. He perceived the
subjection of women as a conspiracy hatched by men to keep them ignorant and subordinate.

13.6 Key–Words

1. Utilitarianism : The doctrine that an action is right insofar as it promotes happiness, and
that the greatest heppiness of the greatest number should be the guiding
principle.
2. Individuality : The quality or character of a person or thing that distinguishes them
from others of the same kind.

13.7 Review Questions

1. How does J.S. Mill justify equal rights for women?
2. What did Mill mean by the statement that the family in a school of despotism? Explain his
claim that children who grew up in such families cannot be good democratic citizens.
3. How would you change between a natural rights and a utilitarian defence of individual liberty?
4. What is the defence of individual freedom by Mill? Discuss.

13.8 Further Readings

1. Mukherjee, S. and Ramaswamy, S. 2004: A History of Political Thought, PHI
Learning Pvt. Ltd.
2. Mukhopadhyay, A.K. 1990 Western Political Thought, Calcutta - KP Bagchi and
Company.

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