Wollstonecraft's Society and Government Point of View

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Recommended: Modern liberalism vs conservatism

Many changes occurred in France during 1789 until 1799. This ten-year span, not only brought major upheaval to the government, but to social aspects within the country as well. Both, Edmund Burke’s, Reflections on the Revolution in France and Mary Wollstonecraft’s, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’, were published during this revolutionary time period. Although Burke and Wollstonecraft possess contradicting views, their works both include opinions about justice, equality and tradition. Burke’s conservative views persuade the reader to understand that the government follows a natural and cyclical path just as nature does. Wollstonecraft directly retorts by insisting that individuals, not nature, control society and therefore the path it takes. She also insisted that these individuals needed to alter their ways in order to revolutionize society for the better.

To better comprehend the strict perspectives of these authors in relation to their political and social views, it is crucial to understand the terms liberal and conservative. The Oxford English Dictionary defines liberal as, “supporting or advocating individual rights, civil liberties, and political social reform tending towards individual freedom or democracy with little state intervention.” Wollstonecraft asserted that change was vital for society to thrive. Furthermore, conservative is defined as, “that conserves or favours the conservation of, an existing structure or system (now esp.) designating a person, movement, outlook, etc., averse to change or innovation and holding traditional ideas and values, esp. with regard to social and political issues” (Oxford English Dictionary). Burke essentially wanted France to stay immutable. Reform was needless; the government...

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...the ability to modify the shortcomings within society. Regardless of their viewpoints, both authors offered their opinions about justice, equality and tradition. Both raised factual information that causes the reader to speculate more critically about the topics at hand. Whether it is today or in the 1790’s, political parties will always have differing views.

Works Cited

Burke, Edmund. “From Reflections on the Revolution in France.” Class handout.

"Conservative, n. and adj.". OED Online. December 2013. Oxford University Press. 14 February 2014 .

"Liberal, adj. and n.". OED Online. December 2013. Oxford University Press. 14 February 2014 .

Wollstonecraft, Mary. “From A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” Class handout.

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